Western NewsFall 2009USPS 679-980

Alumni News and Notes from Western Illinois University

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill July 13 for Illinois Jobs Now!, a jobs and capital construction plan, which provides money for constructing Western Illinois UniversityÕs Performing Arts Center in Macomb and for the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus in Moline. Capital renewal projects were also funded for WIU-Macomb.

ÒWe are so pleased to have a capital budget that allows for the construction of the Performing Arts Center in Macomb and the construction of the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus. This important release of money will also allow us to address long-term deferred maintenance issues on the Macomb campus,Ó said WIU President Al Goldfarb.

WIU-Macomb will receive $67.8 million to construct the Performing Arts Center and $3.6 million for capital

SAVE THE DATEFlorida 2010Jan. 24-30, 2010

All across the state.

renewal, which includes deferred maintenance, such as classroom modernization, improving HVAC systems, enhancing plumbing and electrical distribution systems as well as campus utility infrastructure planning.

ÒThe faculty, staff and students of the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) are elated that the governor signed the capital bill, which now allows Pelli Clarke Pelli (New Haven, CT) to begin finalizing the construction documents, and hopefully allows us to break ground next summer. After 30 months of construction, our new Performing Arts Center will open, giving our outstanding students and faculty a facility worthy of their talents,Ó said Paul Kreider, COFAC dean. ÒFurthermore, this facility will be a venue available to the entire region, becoming a cultural center for the people of western

Capital bill to bring boost to WIULong-awaited funds mean construction, capital renewal for Performing Arts Center, WIU-QC campus

Capt. Luke Gosnell ’05 receives a Bronze Star in Afghanistan. The WIU Alumni Association salutes our alumni in the armed forces for serving our country.

InSIDE: President’s Column 2Alumni Events Calendars 2Foundation 7Student Services 11 Athletics 14University Libraries 21College of Arts and Sciences 22 Class notes 24Obituaries 29

College of Education and Human Services 3

College of Fine Arts and Communication 16

College of Business and Technology 17

Despite being Òout-of-stateÓ residents, college students from Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin now have the same benefits as Illinois residents: in-state tuition and fees from Western Illinois University.

WesternÕs Board of Trustees recently approved granting in-state tuition and fees to students residing in Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin, beginning Fall 2009. While nearly 10,000 students hail from the Prairie State, approximately 745 students come to Western from the Show Me, Hawkeye and Badger states.

ÒProviding in-state tuition and fees to all residents of Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin is an extension of our longstanding tradition of offering our affordable in-state rates to students living in Missouri and Iowa border counties,Ó noted President Al Goldfarb. ÒWestern wants to be the public choice for students in Illinois, as well as for those students from throughout the region.Ó

New undergraduate students from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin entering Western in Fall 2009 will pay $6,778.80 in annual tuition (based on 15 hours per semester at a $225.96 per semester hour rate), while fees for incoming Western-Macomb students will be $2,178.60 per year beginning Fall 2009.

Western offers in-state tuition and fees to MO, IA and WI residents

ÒWestern is one of four public universities in the state with the most affordable tuition and fees, while providing nationally recognized, high-quality academic programs; and Western remains one of the only universities in the state that includes room and board in our cost guarantee,Ó Goldfarb added. ÒStudents entering Western this fall will not face another cost increase in tuition, fees or room and board during their continuous enrollment at WIU.Ó

In 1999, the University established its Cost Guarantee program in which students entering Western are guaranteed they will pay the same rate for tuition, fees and on-campus room and board for their four years of continuous enrollment. Western Illinois also offers the Cost Guarantee to graduate students enrolled in a degree program, as well as to transfer students earning an associateÕs degree. Those students who transfer to WIU the following semester upon completing their associateÕs degree will receive the previous yearÕs Cost Guarantee rates.

Illinois. We are excited and grateful that this day has finally come.”

WIU-Quad Cities will receive $15.9 million for Phase I of renovation and construction of Building One at the Riverfront Campus and $42 million for Phase II. The first building will support the College of Business and Technology, academic and student services and University administration. Phase II will allow for the continued growth of the Quad Cities campus and enable

Left: Future Performing Arts Center. Right: Future QC campus

Alumni in AfghanistanContinued on p. 15

2 Western news

DirectorÕs CornerNews from Your Alumni Association

We had a wonderful summer at Western Illinois University, and on August 23rd we welcomed our students to the Fall 2009 semester. Students found many changes across campus both physically and academically. We began our engineering program and nursing bachelorÕs of science degree program. We had a great group of community and University members help cut the ribbon at the grand opening of our temporary engineering building in the Quad Cities. The most exciting news of all was the announcement of a capital budget being signed by our governor, giving us funding for our new Performing Arts Center and Phase I and II at our new Quad Cities campus.

From the President A new academic year has

begun, and as always, I hope to see you on campus next month for WesternÕs annual Homecoming celebration. While there is always much enthusiasm at the start of a new school year, this year is especially exciting.

Our new engineering program debuted this semester at the WIU-Quad Cities campus, and the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree also began this fall at both campuses. A new undergraduate program in anthropology is available at the Macomb campus, and WesternÕs agriculture department has been renamed the School of Agriculture to better reflect the broad range of programs offered.

During the summer months, our Multicultural Center, which houses Casa Latina, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, the International Friendship Club and the WomenÕs Center, was completed; it is the first “green” building on our campus. Please join us Homecoming weekend as we host the official grand opening and ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Work also continues on the Memorial Hall renovation.

What is perhaps the most exciting news regarding new construction on WesternÕs campuses is the capital budget recently approved by the governor. The capital bill includes $67.8 million for WesternÕs Performing Arts Center in Macomb and $15.8 million for the renovation and construction of Building One and $42 million for Phase II (Building Two) at the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus. We are hopeful that construction might begin as soon as Summer 2010 on the Performing Arts Center, and that renovation work on Building One on our Riverfront Campus in Moline will start in the near future.

I am also pleased that Western continues to be recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report as a leader in public higher education.

As Elaine and I enter our eighth year at Western, I cannot stress enough our appreciation for the continuous support we receive from the campus community, alumni and friends. I look forward to seeing you at The Right Place Oct. 17.

All my best wishes,Al Goldfarb

Western newsFall 2009, Vol. 62, no. 1USPS 679-980

Western News is published quarterly (March, June, September, December) by Alumni Association, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. Periodicals postage paid at Macomb, IL and at additional mailing offices. Distributed to WIU alumni. Postmaster: Please send address changes to WIU Alumni Association, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390. Alumni Association Phone: (309) 298-1914A-Association@wiu.eduwiu.eduEditorial staff/contributors:

Darcie Dyer Shinberger Õ89 MS Õ98, director of University Relations

Amy Spelman MS Õ98, director of Alumni ProgramsBonnie Barker Õ75 MS Õ77, assistant director of

University RelationsCaren Bordowitz, graphic designerJessica Butcher MS Õ96, assistant to the vice president

for student services Michael Jones, assistant director of Alumni ProgramsTeresa Koltzenburg Õ92, public information specialistAlison McGaughey, editorial writerSchuyler Meixner Õ98 MBA Õ04, director,

communications and external relations, College of Business and Technology

Dana Moon Õ98 MBA Õ01, assistant to the dean, College of Education and Human Services

Julie Murphy Ô94 MS Ô95, director, Foundation communications/donor stewardship

Cathy Null, assistant to the dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

Jessica Ruebush Ô09, graphic designerAmanda Shoemaker, associate director of Alumni

ProgramsHave tips, questions or comments for Western News?A-Association@wiu.eduwesternnews@wiu.edusee ÒSend Us Your NewsÓ (page 31)Need to update your address?wiu.edu/alumni(309) 298-2914

Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois. 9/2009 • 98,500 • 100002

September is an exciting time for your Alumni Association! So far we have traveled through Texas with three events, including kicking-off our football season with a victory over Sam Houston State; hosted a block party for alumni, community members, families and children at the Quad Cities campus; watched your Fighting Leathernecks play NIU; and will round out the month with a trip to California visiting San Diego and San Francisco... see you there!

WIU Alumni & FriendsEvents for 2009-10

Amy Spelman MS Õ98

September24 . . . . . Quad Cities Alumni & Friends Social &

Collage Concert with WIU School of Music - Highland Park Bowl and Moline High School

25 . . . . . San Diego, CA Alumni & Friends Event - Bertrand at Mister A’s

26 . . . . . San Francisco, CA Alumni & Friends Event - O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Giants vs . Cubs

October16-17 . .2009 Reunion17 . . . . .Homecoming22 . . . . . Raleigh/Durham, NC Alumni & Friends Event -

Porter’s City Tavern22 . . . . . Grad Prep Day - WIU-Quad Cities, Campus

Foyer23 . . . . . Charlotte, NC Alumni & Friends Event -

The Tavern on Park23 . . . . . Grad Prep Day - WIU-Macomb, University

Union Concourse24 . . . . . Atlanta, GA Alumni & Friends Event -

PittyPat’s Porch

November7 . . . . . . WIU vs . ISU Football Pre-Game Social –

Normal, IL12 . . . . . Indianapolis, IN Alumni & Friends Event13 . . . . . WIU vs . Arizona State Basketball Pre-Game

Social - Tempe, AZ15 . . . . . WIU vs . Kansas State Basketball Pre-Game

Social - Manhattan, KS

December14 . . . . . Chicago Alumni & Friends Event - Howl at

the Moon18-19 . .Commencement/Alumni Achievement Awards

January 201024-30 . .Florida Alumni & Friends Events

March 201027 . . . . .Black Alumni Black Tie Scholarship Gala

April 20108 . . . . . . Grad Prep Day - WIU-Quad Cities, Campus

Foyer9 . . . . . . Grad Prep Day - WIU-Macomb, University

Union Concourse10 . . . . . 3rd Annual All Leatherneck Reunion AND

Leatherneck Football Spring Scrimmage in Chicago

June 201014 . . . . . Chicago Area Golf Outing - Seven Bridges,

Woodridge, IL25 . . . . . Peoria Area Golf Outing - WeaverRidge,

Peoria, IL

Attention Lutheran Student Center Alumni

All alumni, family & friends are invited to a 40th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday October 18 at 10 a .m . Special Celebratory Worship Service with a luncheon & events following

The Lutheran Student Center is seeking contact information for all alumni who have been associated with it . Names and addresses can be sent to Pastor Mike Burdick at 303 N . Clay Street, Macomb, IL 61455 or lutheran@macomb .com .

Western news 3

College of Education and Human ServicesCelebrating 50th anniversary at Western and 15th year as the College of Education and Human Services

Do you remember?In 1959, the fi rst dean of the School of Education,

Dr. Rolf Larson, was appointed by President Knoblauch.

In 1994, the University reorganized, and the College of Education; the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) and the College of Applied Sciences were joined to form the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS). Social work became part of COEHS in 2004.

Following are photographic highlights of some of the CollegeÕs milestones.

1. Knoblauch Hall, occupied in 1964 and named in 1972. Today the COEHS Department of Dietetics, Fashion Merchandising and Hospitality resides in this building.

2. Brophy Hall (Morgan Gym) prior to the fi re in 1970.3. Stipes Hall, built in 1970, became the departments

of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Health Sciences.

4. Horrabin Hall housed the lab school until 1973, which was the year it was dedicated and named. The building currently houses the COEHS DeanÕs Offi ce, the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, and the departments of Special Education, Instructional Design and Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies, and Military Science.

5. Construction of the new Brophy Hall, which opened in 1973. The building now houses the COEHS Department of Kinesiology.

6. Currens Hall, dedicated in 1976, today is home to the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA).

7. WIU-Quad Cities offers three undergraduate programs and 10 graduate programs through COEHS, including counselor education, the only COEHS department housed at the Quad Cities campus.

Help us celebrate! Watch upcoming issues of Western News and RockeNews for events in which you can participate!

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4 Western news

College of Education and Human Services

By Teresa Koltzenburg Ô92With a new academic year just underway, the back-

to-school routineÑh omework assignments, research papersÑi s old hat for many students.

But for many at-risk students, that back-to-school routine may be missing. According to the recent report “Left Behind in America: The Nation’s Dropout Crisis,” in 2009, 16 percent of individuals between ages 16 and 24 were high school dropouts.

But one community in southeast Iowa, with the help of WIU alumna and current educational leadership doctoral candidate Laurie Bliven Noll MS Ô97 Ô04, has some good news, as well as some hopeful building blocks, that could help at-risk youth in her community.

ÒAmerica is currently in the throes of a persistent high school dropout crisis that has been a long time in the making, with substantial disparities in dropout rates across race, ethnic and income groups and geographic areas,Ó states the May 2009 report, which was authored and distributed by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston and the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago.

Communities small and large across the nation are struggling to deal with the dropout reality, all while state budgets are being squeezed from the ongoing economic recession.

But Noll, along with several fellow community members in Burlington, IA, received news over the

summer that their YouthBuild grant application, which they had written and submitted at the end of 2008, was funded for $899,000. YouthBuild is a federally-funded grant program that enables students to participate in building homes.

Noll, principal of the alternative school in the Burlington Community School District, said the grant grew out of a community-wide effort to help at-risk youths complete their individual education and provide marketable skills that will allow them to participate and succeed in the labor force.

ÒOur community has been involved with a Burlington Youth Development Coalition organization. This organization includes people and many entities within our community, including the school district, Iowa Workforce, Southeastern Community College, the local Home Builders organization, as well as other professional and government offices, groups and organizations. As a group, our collective goal is to increase the graduation rate in Des Moines County,Ó she explained.

Noll recognized that YouthBuild caters to her students and their needs. That emphasis on at-risk youth was the impetus to help her fellow community members with the grant-writing project.

ÒIt truly was a collective cooperation among many people and organizations in the Burlington community,Ó she said.

Noll said the dynamic and comprehensive YouthBuild partnership will allow program partners to tap into the expertise of each agency and will provide an excellent opportunity for frequent cross-training and staff development.

ÒStaff development will be offered quarterly and will include workshops for project staff and partners on topics such as case management, learning styles, student behavior and generational communication in the workplace, safety and program performance,Ó Noll explained.

Although Noll pointed out that the grant application involved the work of many individuals and organizations in Burlington, she did note that her courses in grant writing at WIU helped her in this new endeavor.

ÒThey provided me with the courage to jump into a group of expert grant writers and add to the development of the grant. I am comfortable with the grant writersÕ language due to the additional training through Western.Ó

Building opportunityAlumna helps community build and provide future for at-risk students

“The grant writing class at Western allowed me the courage to jump into a group of expert grant writers.”

Laurie Bliven Noll

By Teresa Koltzenburg Ô92Activities like disco skate

and four-square tournaments may not sound like matters of business, but for many newly minted college graduates heading into the recreation, leisure and/or tourism field, that rŽsumŽ entry illustrating a student has assisted with such special events can demonstrate experience, as well as the commitment and willingness to serve.

Now WIU recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) students have the chance to prove involvement in philanthropic, recreational or sport tourneys or helping out with organizing a community-based activity, thanks to a new partnership between WesternÕs Campus Recreation and RPTA department.

Through an informal training program, Nick Knowles Ô02 MS Ô07, assistant director of sport clubs and facilities for Campus Recreation, in conjunction with faculty members in the RPTA department, is providing RPTA students with a number of hands-on opportunities in special event planning. Not only does the program provide students with choice rŽsumŽ content, but it also

helps Campus Recreation organize and conduct stellar special events.

ÒFor MomÕs Weekend in Fall 2008, we held our own ÔAmazing Race,Õ based on the television show format. The studentsÕ planning help for that event was huge,Ó Knowles explained. ÒWe have also had students help us with disco skate and the Trot for Tots events. In addition, we have had students help us with different sporting and activity tourneys, include four-square and golf tournaments.Ó

Winners All AroundLast year, when Knowles was in charge of planning

and executing special events at Campus Recreation, the only staff he had to help was himself and a few graduate assistants, he said.

“Many of our events need anywhere from five to 20 additional workers, so thatÕs where the relationship with the RPTA department has helped. Because I earned my bachelorÕs and masterÕs degrees in RPTA, I know that getting experience with planning and conducting special

events is essential,Ó he said. ÒI approached the faculty in the department to see if they would be interested in working with me to help out Campus Recreation and to give RPTA students the opportunity to gain some experience.Ó

KnowlesÕ approach has worked well; he noted the RPTA departmentÕs effort to help make these opportunities possible for students has been key to the success of the endeavor.

ÒDr. Dale Adkins, Dr. Minsun Doh and Dr. Mike Lukkarinen Ô97 MS Ô98 have all

been big supporters,Ó he said. ÒThey send many students our way. Our events are tailored to the RPTA curriculum and to that field in general, so it’s a win-win situation for everyoneÑt he students, faculty and staff membersÑinvolved.Ó

Knowles noted that while some of his responsibilities have changed since last academic year, Dustin Van Sloten MS Ô01, assistant director of sports programs at Campus Recreation, will continue the program with RPTA students in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010.

nick Knowles

ÔHelp wanted: disco skate, four-square skillsÕRPTA students get hands-on opportunities via Campus Recreation

Students take in a night of fun at the annual disco skate event hosted by Campus Recreation with help from RPTA students seeking event-planning experience.

Western news 5

College of Education and Human Services

By Teresa Koltzenburg Ô92Making memories is a rite of the summertime season.

Many times the best ones are serendipitously significant, giving us the gift of an unexpected memento that we will recall with a smile as the season endsÑan d for years to come.

Cindy Robb Samples Ô79 and Cathy Cook Ô80, who both earned bachelorÕs degrees from WesternÕs recreation and park administration (now called the recreation, park and tourism administration, or RPTA) department are looking back at this summer fondly, but not solely because the WIU grads were recognized with Beacon Awards in June from the American Recreation Coalition (ARC). In addition to the awards and recognition Samples and Cook receivedÑf or their individual professional contributions to this countryÕs natural resourcesÑt heir memento from this summer includes a happy and unexpected reunion with one another, former classmates and Sigma Kappa sorority sisters, at a rooftop award ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior building in Washington, D.C.

Tech and Rec: An Award-Winning ComboÒAs part of the American Recreation CoalitionÕs award

presentation, the winners had to set up displays showing their award-winning projects,Ó explained Samples. ÒSo IÕm setting up my display, and all of a sudden someone is hugging me. I look up and itÕs Cathy, and I said, ÔOh my gosh!Õ It was just wonderful. Then we both looked at each other and said, ÔHey, not too bad for a couple of Western Illinois University grads,ÕÓ the Macomb native added.

Cook agreed that it was great to see her former classmate, sorority sister and now natural resource colleague; both have worked for natural resource-related agencies in the federal government for close to 30 years. After a stint with the Army Corps of Engineers, Samples now serves as the visitor service manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Winona, MN. Cook is the chief of interpretation for the National Park ServiceÕs (NPS) Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Although their job titles and places of work may not be thought of as typically technology related, both SamplesÕ and CookÕs Beacon Awards spotlight how they creatively embraced modern-day communication tools to enhance the outdoor experience. (ARCÕs Beacon Awards Òrecognize outstanding efforts by federal agencies and partners in harnessing the power of technology to improve public recreation experiences and federal recreation program management.Ó)

ÒThese days, we seem to live in more of an indoor society than an outdoor one. ThatÕs why my job is so criticalÑt o get people outside,Ó Samples noted. ÒThe future of conservation depends on conservationists, and if we donÕt have kids and adults connecting to natural resources on the land, well, thatÕs not a good future scenario for protecting places like national wildlife refuges and parks. While people can learn about it through computers, itÕs important to experience our nationÕs natural resources in person as well.Ó

According to ARC, Samples earned the Beacon Award Òfor her demonstration of use of new technology in

Serendipitous summerWestern alumnae and sorority sisters surprised by reunion on a Washington, D.C. rooftop

creative ways to facilitate visitor enjoyment within the 261-mile long refuge, including cell phone tours, mystery geocaching and podcasts to help refuge visitors find, discover and understand the refuge. Especially exciting is her use of geocaching as a tool to reach new audiences and to use Ôtravel bugsÕ to encourage visitation of many sites on this and other refuges. Her efforts provide information to actual and potential visitorsÑan d even with those who may never have the opportunity to visit the highlighted sites. CindyÕs efforts included forging a partnership with the Geological Society of America replicable across the nation.Ó

CookÕs contributions to the NPS website to help celebrate the departmentÕs 75th anniversary garnered her and her team a Beacon Award too. According to ARC, the NPS’s “National Parks: The Place to be for Family Fun” website, “was developed specifically to provide a thematic and interactive approach to helping Americans identify and utilize the many ranger-led programs, activities and commercial visitor services available to them in the national parks and has been promoted actively using both new and traditional media channels.Ó

Lifelong LegaciesSamples and Cook can both recall career-boosting

opportunities that Western provided for them as students in the recreation, park and tourism administration field; Cook noted that her participation in the departmentÕs ECO Education Expedition program, Òa semester-long experience conducted in national parks, outdoor education centers and wilderness areas,Ó was particularly memorable and beneficial for her.

ÒThe exposure to recreation programs, land management agencies and the leadership skills I gained during ECO will stay with me for a lifetime,Ó Cook said. ÒThe required practicum also lead to my long-term career with the National Park Service.Ó

Samples remembers the summer of 1978 being especially formative for her; that year, along with Cook and her husband, Rick Samples (who also graduated from Western in 1979 with a bachelorÕs degree in recreation and park administration), Samples served as a counselor in the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a camp that WIU sponsored at the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

ÒBack then, the department was small, but I didnÕt meet Rick until we worked at this YCC camp. Western had contracted with the Forest Service to run the YCC camp that year, so all of us working at that camp were from Western Illinois University,Ó Samples explained.

Her time at the YCC camp was not the only camping memory Samples treasures from her time as a Western student. She attributes much of her success today to her studies at WIU and to the faculty in the department -- with one faculty member in particular whom she recalls as part

of her many camping and experiential memories made while a student.

“We always went on field trips. I remember going caving, camping and even winter camping with Doc LuptonÑal l of those experiences resonate in my mind,Ó Samples noted.

Frank ÒDocÓ Lupton (who chaired the recreation and park administration department from 1980-1986 and was bestowed with WIUÕs Faculty Lecturer Award in 1976), is that faculty member who Samples calls Òher mentor.Ó She added that his influence still inspires and motivates her today.

ÒI remember and often use this quote from himÑI donÕt know where the quote comes fromÑb ut whenever we would go camping and participate in an event that required us to sleep out somewhere, every morning heÕd wake up and say, ÔThe sun is shining, the birds are singing, itÕs a great day to be alive!Õ It could be 20 degrees,

we could be freezing and no birds would be singing, but he would always do that. He just had this positive attitude about how the day was going to be,Ó Samples said. ÒDoc Lupton and my time at WIU helped make me into what I really wanted to be, what I am todayÑa t eacher in the outdoors. If I hadnÕt gone to WIU and connected with him, I donÕt know if I would have had this great career, so IÕm thankful.Ó

Cathy Cook ’80 (left) and Cindy Robb Samples ’79, with their awards from the American Recreation Coalition. The two were unexpectedly reunited recently when receiving recognition for their respective work in protecting natural resources.

“ My time at WIU helped make me into what I really wanted to be, what I am today—a teacher in the outdoors.”

Cindy Samples

6 Western news

College of Education and Human Services

John Tracy has been named social work department chair, effective July 1. Tracy replaced interim chair Mike Fimmen, who retired.

Before coming to Western to serve at the helm of the social work department, Tracy was a member of the social work faculty at the University of Wyoming. He also served as a social work faculty member and as a field education coordinator at the University of Guam and as an assistant professor of social work at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Tracy earned his bachelorÕs and masterÕs degrees from Truman State University, a masterÕs degree in social work from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies at Colorado State University.

Western Illinois UniversityÕs kinesiology department has a new interim chair. Loran ErdmannÑw ho started at Western in 1994 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2003Ñas sumed the interim chair position of the department on July 1. Former kinesiology department chair Miriam Satern stepped down and has resumed her position as a full-time faculty member in the department.

Prior to coming to Western, Erdmann served in adjunct professor positions at Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa and as director of the department of wellness services at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Erdmann earned his bachelorÕs, masterÕs and doctorate degrees from the University of Northern Iowa.

Nick DiGrino, interim dean of COEHS, accepted a two-year appointment to serve as dean of the college, effective July 1, according to Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas. DiGrino had served as interim dean since April.

He replaced Bonnie Smith-Skripps Õ73 MA Õ74 ED SP Õ89, who retired in April after 35 years of service. Prior to being named interim

Greathouse interim chair of DFMH

The dietetics, fashion merchandising and hospitality (DFMH) department has a new interim chair. Karen GreathouseÑw ho started at Western in 1989 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2004Ñas sumed the interim chair position July 15. Former DFMH chair Erskine Smith was recently named interim associate dean of the College.

Greathouse received her bachelorÕs and masterÕs degrees in food and nutrition from Southern Illinois University, and she earned her doctorate in institutional management from Kansas State University.

DiGrino named COEHS deandean, DiGrino served as associate dean for administration for five years, and as chair and professor in Western’s recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) department from 1986 to 2004. Before joining WesternÕs faculty, he served as coordinator of the leisure services program at Iowa State University and as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Eastlake, OH.

DiGrino has authored and co-authored numerous articles and book chapters within his field, and he has presented at professional conferences internationally. He is an inductee of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and he has held offices and served on the governing boards of several state and national professional organizations.

Tracy named chair of social work

Erskine Smith has been appointed to the position of COEHS interim associate dean for administration.

According to COEHS Dean Nick DiGrino, Smith assumed the duties for the interim associate dean position on July 1. SmithÕs primary responsibilities are in the areas of budget, personnel, contract implementation and facilities. DiGrino also noted Smith is assisting with transitional considerations in WesternÕs dietetics, fashion merchandising and hospitality (DFMH) department, of which Smith was named chair in 2004.

ÒI look forward to serving the College of Education and Human Services as associate dean during this transitional period,Ó Smith said. ÒI recognize and appreciate that the position of associate dean allows me the opportunity to work with the COEHS leadership and its entities, as

Smith appointed interim associate dean

Erdmann interim chair of kinesiology

ÒDr. DiGrinoÕs broad experience as a faculty member and as an administrator, his involvement in numerous Universitywide committees and his expertise and success with the accreditation process will further the College of Education and Human ServicesÕ goals and mission,Ó said Thomas.

DiGrino received his bachelorÕs degree from Kent State University, his masterÕs degree from Indiana University and his doctorate from Texas A&M University. He is a recipient of Kent State UniversityÕs School of Exercise, Sport and Leisure Distinguished Alumni Award and Indiana UniversityÕs Garrett G. Eppley Distinguished Alumni Award.

nick DiGrino

COEHS addresses challenges, issues and opportunities affecting its role at Western today and in the near future.Ó

Before coming to WIU, Smith served as chair and associate professor of family and consumer sciences at the University of Mississippi. Prior to working at the University of Mississippi, Smith was associate director of the division of applied research of the National Food Service Management Institute and an assistant professor of food service management at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has also served as director of the School of Home Economics at Southern Mississippi and as an administrative intern in the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Smith has also worked as a clinical dietitian in the private sector.

Smith has published numerous articles for professional

journals, is a contributing author for several textbooks and monographs and has served as a presenter at national conferences.

Smith received his bachelorÕs degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his masterÕs and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He also holds a certificate from The Miami Valley Hospital Dietetic Internship Program. Erskine Smith

John TracyLoran ErdmannKaren Greathouse

FoundationWestern news 7

confi dent in the enduring generosity from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, parents, businesses, and foundations. Thank you for your continued investment in the future of Western Illinois University.

Sincerely,

Al Goldfarb President Western Illinois University

Multicultural Center on the Macomb campus will open this fall and a $1 million gift was received in fi scal year 2009 to support facilities for the new engineering program in the Quad Cities. Efforts continue to secure private funds for the construction of the Performing Arts Center in Macomb and the fi rst building renovation at the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus.

In the years ahead, the University community will focus on the key priorities outlined in our strategic plan, ÒHigher Values in Higher Education.Ó Our core values of academic excellence, educational opportunity, social responsibility and personal growth continue to guide Western.

As we prepare for our capital campaign, we recognize the challenges of the current economy but are

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to report a very successful year of fundraising for Western Illinois University. Our donors have demonstrated remarkable generosity, despite economic uncertainty.

Your strong commitment to Western Illinois University helps us provide our students and faculty with the resources necessary to succeed. Because of your generosity, Western is able to develop new areas of study, such as engineering and nursing, and provide outstanding scholarship support to many deserving students.

Western also continues to develop facilities that will further enhance both of our campuses. The new

Dear Friends of Western:

It is a privilege and an honor to hold the position of president of the WIU Foundation. The time has passed quickly, but the advances of the Foundation have been signifi cant over the past 12 months. As I write this letter, the investments of the Foundation are up for the year, which is a good note in the current economy! We continue to report strong annual gifts that have been record-setting for our Foundation. Our alumni and friends continue to keep Western in their annual and future plans, so we are looking forward to continuing growth in future years.

Providing continued support to students through scholarship assistance, grants, and short-term loans from the Foundation allows many students to pursue their educations. Your generosity gives us the opportunity to continue to fulfi ll this mission. Thank you very much for all you have contributed in the past and in advance for your future support.

Our graduates will continue to provide the vision and the leadership that Western graduates have delivered for the past

century. The educational opportunities that Western provides are relevant to the needs of studentsÕ aspirations. The recent addition of both engineering and nursing degree programs is a direct response to regional and national societal needs. We are already receiving donations of scholarships, facilities, and equipment to

help bring those programs forward for our students.

Please accept my deep gratitude for your continued involvement with the WIU Foundation and its Board of Directors.

Sincerely,

Cathy EarlyPresidentWIU Foundation

Western online gift-giving

• Visit wiu.edu/foundation and click on ÒDonate Online.Ó

• Provide your personal information (confi dential).

• Click on the area you wish to support.

• Verify your information on the gift summary page.

• Submit payment information (secure form).

• Print the verifi cation form for your records.

• A receipt for tax purposes will be mailed to you from the WIU Foundation.

Thank you!

By Julie Murphy Õ94 MS Õ95 ÒYou have to be sort of happy, and you

have to be forgiving for a long and healthy life,Ó said 1922 Western Illinois University graduate Chella Jean Williams Murphy of Burlington, IA, who will celebrate her 108th birthday Oct. 15.

Born and raised in Bushnell (IL), Murphy attended Western Illinois State Normal School, graduating with her teaching certifi cate in 1922.

In a videotaped interview, Murphy recalls her times at WIU and after graduation. It was during her time at Western that she traveled to Knox College in nearby Galesburg to visit her sister. While there, she noticed the girls had their hair cut in cute little bobs.

ÒI called my aunt, a schoolteacher in Bushnell who had taken me and my fi ve siblings in after our mother died, to ask if I could get my hair cut in a bob, and she said Ôsure.Õ I was the fi rst one on Western’s campus with that haircut,” she remembered. ÒBut the school president (President Morgan) didnÕt approve and he took away my student teaching job.Ó

Western’s longest living graduate refl ects on days gone byBut that did not slow MurphyÕs

ambition of being a teacher. Her uncle was a lawyer in Bushnell, and quite soon after MorganÕs actions, Murphy and her uncle drove back to Macomb in his old Model T Ford to see Morgan.

ÒI was back to work soon after that and all the girls at Western had their hair bobbed, too,Ó she laughed.

Murphy showed that spirit again soon after graduation while she was teaching elementary school. According to Murphy,

in those days (the early 1920s), teachers were not allowed to marry. Just like the bob haircut not being allowed on WesternÕs campus, Murphy was not going to let that ÒruleÓ stand. She married Ray Murphy and in 1924 she had her daughter, Jean. Two years later, son Charles (ÒChickÓ) was born. After nearly 20 years in McDonough County, the Murphys moved to Burlington, IA where both Chella and Ray worked at the ordnance plant, while raising their family.

ÒWhen I was 58 years old, I returned to the fourth grade classroom at Grimes Elementary in Burlington,Ó she said.

Murphy retired in 1971 at the age of 70, and six years ago, at age 101, she took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Grimes Elementary School.

Des Moines, IA dentist Dr. Chris Lundeel was a student in MurphyÕs fourth grade classroom in 1961.

ÒI was sort of ornery,Ó Lundeel said with a laugh. ÒMost of my teachers up until then didnÕt think IÕd amount to much. Mrs. Murphy was different. Her encouragement and high expectations turned me around and really made a difference in my educational career.Ó

Looking back on U.S. history through MurphyÕs recollections, Theodore Roosevelt was elected president just before she was born. The fi rst Nobel Prize was awarded that same year and six years later came EinsteinÕs Theory of Relativity.

ÒI was only 11 years old when the Titanic sank and I was barely 19 when women fi rst won the right to vote. And IÕve voted in every election since,Ó she recalled. ÒThe average annual salary for teachers during my fi rst year of teaching was $840. It may not have been much, but the experience was priceless.Ó

Chella Murphy, in the early 1960s and now.

Foundation8 Western news

Expenditures by purpose–FY09 Contributions by purpose–FY09

Alumni-sponsored Programs

and Activities$381,338–8%

Cultural Activities and Other Regional Outreach

Efforts$253,315–5 .3%

Capital ProjectsEquipment/

Property$144,231–3%

Athletics$421,589–8 .8%

Student Scholarships

$1,832,505–38 .4%

Academic EnhancementsInstructional Initiatives$1,410,228–29 .6%

Foundation Operating and Other Fundraising

Expenses$328,897–6 .9%

Public Service, Cultural Activities, and

Other Regional Outreach Efforts$280,260–7 .7%

Capital ProjectsEquipment/

Property$296,928–8 .1%

Academic EnhancementsInstructional Initiatives/

Research$631,506–17 .3%

Foundations/Alumni-sponsored

Programs$317,580–8 .7%

Scholarships andOther Endowments$505,815–13 .8%

Student Scholarships

$1,311,702–35 .9%

Athletics$248,837–

6 .8%

Unrestricted Contributions and Gifts to the Fund for a

Greater Western$60,374–1 .7%

*Income only, outstanding pledges and testamentary gifts not included.

Foundation Year in ReviewOn behalf of the entire Western Illinois University

community, the WIU Foundation thanks all of the generous individuals who made contributions to the University this past year. The following report highlights fi nancial information, programs and services, and contributions to the Western Illinois University Foundation covering the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

• Private support received through the WIU Foundation, including cash gifts, gifts-in-kind pledges, and testamentary/deferred gift commitments totaled $8,259,154.

• The WIU Foundation processed 14,390 gifts from 11,741 alumni, friends, parents, faculty and staff members, corporations and business, foundations, and other organizations.

• The average alumni contribution for all purposes was $428.28.

• WIU Foundation expenditures in support of the University for all purposes totaled $4,772,107.

• Contributions to endowment added $509,999 to the WIU FoundationÕs permanent asset base.

number of contributors by category–FY09*

* Does not include 449 employees who are included in the alumni count.

* Does not include 310 parents included in the alumni count.

Total dollars contributed by category–FY09*

* Income only, outstanding pledges not included.

rsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrsrs 7,160 ALUMNI

rsrsr 493 CORPORATIONS/BUSINESSES

rsrsrs 563 FACULTY/STAFF & EMERITI

r 472 FOUNDATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS/OTHER

rsrsrsrsrsrs 3,053 FRIENDS/PARENTS

• The WIU-Quad Cities campus received $1 million ($500,000 each) from the John Deere Foundation and the Moline Foundation to support the new engineering program. The gifts provide lease space and equipment.

• Sisters and 1970 graduates Laura and Linda Janus both committed their estates, each valued at $1 million, to WIU. LauraÕs gift will fund accountancy scholarships and LindaÕs will support scholarships in history.

• 1949 music graduate Donald Bouseman made a $1 million planned gift to support scholarships in the School of Music.

2008-2009 Foundation year in review: highlights• The AT&T Aspire Program invested nearly $375,000

into the Rock Island (IL) High School PACERS (Positive Achievement and Creativity Equals Righteous Success) Ñan intensive mentoring, academic and volunteer-based program developed through school and community efforts and the WIU Counselor Education Department.

• Professors emeriti and longtime advocates of WIU, Bea and Jim Wehrly, each made separate gifts to ease the fi nancial burden of students in this diffi cult economy. Jim enhanced the Jim & Bea Wehrly scholarship fund (endowed in 1991) by $50,000 to fund another annual scholarship, and Bea donated $20,000 to the Scholarship Offi ce to be used for short-term student loans.

• Mary Lou Petersen, retired junior high biology teacher from Bettendorf, IA, designated a planned gift of $50,000 to support the Petersen Ornithological Collection. The collection was to the WIU Libraries in 1999 by Mary Lou and her late husband, Peter.

• Sodexo Campus Services committed $50,000 towards endowing the College Student Personnel/Student Services annual Summer Institute.

• Lowell and Lois Lueck Ô72 established a scholarship for non-traditional students in teacher education with a $20,000 base gift supplemented by $1,000 annual gifts.

• Growmark Foundation funded a third annual $1,000 scholarship in agriculture and donated $5,000 to the agriculture department.

Financial summary

FoundationWestern news 9

We all know individuals who rise to challenges, demonstrating leadership and wisdom in the midst of difficulty. Professors emeriti Bea and Jim Wehrly were those individuals this past year, stepping up to help students during a time of economic uncertainty.

Together, the Wehrlys have a long history of distinguished service and generosity to Western Illinois University. They came to Western in 1969 from Texas A&M University where Jim taught agricultural economics and Bea was the first woman to complete a Ph.D. in the College of Education. Jim was hired to teach agriculture in the College of Applied Sciences and Bea to teach in the College of Education.

After coming to WIU, Jim Wehrly upgraded the farm management curriculum through introducing business management principles. In Jim’s favorite field, agricultural finance, he transformed the curriculum from a course on institutional lenders in the agricultural sector to a financial management experience. Jim added tax management to the curriculum by introducing that content into existing courses and through creating new courses in farm income tax management and reporting.

Bea WehrlyÕs College of Education appointment for her first four years at WIU was split between implementing an elementary counseling program at the WIU Laboratory School and teaching. When the Lab School closed, Bea moved to full-time teaching and added two courses: Counseling Children and Counseling/Helping in Multicultural Society, and facilitated six international summer study tours. Bea also facilitated workshops on cross-cultural and interracial counseling at conferences in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the Philippines.

In 1999, Bea helped establish the innovative Educators for Tomorrow Scholarship to assist students of diverse heritages pursuing careers in education. Since retiring,

Bea has authored three textbooks on cross-cultural and interracial counseling and is currently serving on the American Counseling Association Editorial Review Board.

Sharing personal resources for the benefit of students has always been a matter of course for both Wehrlys.

ÒBea and I started off saving $25 per month for scholarships many years ago when that was all we could afford, and did that for the first 30 years while raising our own family,Ó said Jim.

That monthly $25 evolved over the years into several scholarships that will survive into perpetuity to help deserving students meet their educational goals.

In 1991, Bea and Jim endowed the Wehrly Scholarship Fund to assist high achieving students of junior standing who have been involved in volunteer efforts on behalf of human rights and who have worked to provide financial support for themselves and/or others. Two scholarships were awarded each year until 2008, when a third was added through a $50,000 additional contribution from Jim in 2009. At the same time, Bea donated $20,000 to be used for short-term student loans because she recognized that Òit was a rough time for students and their families.Ó

In December 2007, Jim contributed $50,000 to provide student scholarships in agricultural finance. Early in 2008, Bea donated $80,000 to provide an annual $3,000 scholarship for a student to study abroad for a full semester. Over the years, these two retired professors have directed more than $300,000 to Western for the sole purpose of easing the financial burden for our students.

ÒBea and Jim live by WesternÕs mission of Higher Values in Higher Education,Ó said WIU President Al Goldfarb. ÒAs faculty members and friends, they have exemplified our core values. The entire Western community is grateful for their tremendous generosity and legacy to our students.Ó

ÒI think education is core to a successful life. Education teaches us to be thinkers and what you learn you will carry for a lifetime. There is a need to help others attain that knowledge, and why not provide a resource so that others can achieve a lifetime full of accomplishments?Ó

These are the words of 1970 WIU accountancy graduate Laura Janus, founding partner of Holland Capital.

Looking back on her own education, Janus said, ÒThere was a lot of crazy stuff going on in the 60s and I couldnÕt afford to be kicked out of school. The fact that I was paying my own way, or that ÔI had skin in the game,Õ was the biggest factor for me as a student at WIU. My focus was to get an education.Ó

After working a year between high school and college to pay for her education, Janus finished her degree in accountancy and embarked on an impressive career in finance. First working for Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company, she went on to be a founding partner of Holland Capital Management (Chicago, IL), where she serves as the chief investment officer for fixed income and as the fixed income portfolio manager.

Despite her demanding career, Janus is still very much connected to Western. She currently serves on the College of Business and Technology Advisory Board, the PresidentÕs National Advisory Council, and the WIU Foundation Board.

“I find the experience at times overwhelming because these are three demanding groups. However, I think WIU has everything going right for it, and there are incredibly dedicated people at WIU who are doing everything in their power to make WIU the best. I want to be a part of that. It is also a payback for the excellent education I received from WIU,Ó Janus said.

Janus also this year committed her estate to WIU at an estimated value of $1 million to establish an endowment to fund accounting scholarships.

ÒThe beauty of establishing a trust to WIU means that the monies can be used for multiple generations. It also provides an example for the recipients that giving needs to be passed on from generation to generation and the gift can take many forms,Ó she added. ÒWhere there is a need, it is our responsibility to find a way to meet it. This is my way.Ó

ÒLaura has been a great friend of Western Illinois University,Ó said Brad Bainter Ô79 MS Ô82, director of University development and planned giving for the WIU Foundation. “Not only does she give of her financial resources through annual gifts and a planned gift, but she also gives of her time. Laura serves on the three WIU boards, and has served as a student mentor. She sets a wonderful example for all of our alumni to follow.Ó

ÒMy best advice (for todayÕs students) is to focus on those things you have a passion for because if you donÕt, you may be disappointed in how your career and your personal life unfold,Ó Janus said. ÒI think it is important to focus on doing the right thing and in the end everything works out for all the right reasons. My nature is to go with the flow and to have realistic expectations. Yes, you can have dreams, but to be successful we must understand our strengths and weaknesses. There is a balance. I also believe a little serendipity is a good thing. You just never know when an opportunity will pop up and lead you to your real passion. DonÕt over plan your life!Ó

While Janus has clearly benefitted from balance and a little serendipity in her own life, she has taken serious measures to plan for the lives of others. Her gift means that generations of Western accountancy students will have an easier time paying for their education than she did. She is fulfilling her pledge providing a resource so that others can achieve a life time full of accomplishments.Ó

Wehrlys continue to find ways to give

Bea & Jim Wehrly Gifts to WIU Foundation

Year Funds Established1991 Bea & Jim Wehrly Scholarship1999 Educators for Tomorrow2007 Jim Wehrly Agriculture Finance Scholarship2008 Bea Wehrly Study Abroad Scholarship2009 Additional Wehrly Scholarship2009 Short-Term Student Loan Fund

Janus plans $1 million trust gift to Western

Laura Janus

Bea and Jim Wehrly

Foundation10 Western news

A few years back, Western Illinois University Vice President for Student Services staff and College Student Personnel (CSP) faculty had an idea for an event on WesternÕs campus during the summer, facilitating education along with incorporating a little fun. This idea was formed into a professional development opportunity for alumni as well as former and current staff in the profession of making a difference in the lives of students.

The first CSP/Student Services Summer Institute was offered in 2007. Following the 2008 event, the summer institute received a lead gift from Sodexo Campus Services to ensure its future and enable participants to attend with minimal financial burden to their institutions. Sodexo committed $50,000 toward endowing the institute by contributing the first of five $10,000 installments at that time.

ÒAs I travel the globe, I have known so many people in our field that have had the connection to WesternÕs campus through their management time and development,Ó said Thomas Post, president of Campus Dining Services. ÒWe are proud and excited to provide the lead gift for the CSP/Student

Mary Lou Petersen of Bettendorf, IA, describes herself and her late husband, Peter, as Òpractical people who made practical choices.Ó

Peter, who died in 1997, was a nationally renowned scholar and bird watcher. Over the course of his life, Peter built up a collection of nearly 1,000 titles of rare and high quality ornithological books and periodicals. He was also a volunteer bander for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, amassing more than 25 years of bird banding data and 45 years of field observation data and equipment used by licensed banders.

Peter was in museum work, a naturalist, and owner of Pete PetersenÕs Wild Bird Shop. Mary Lou taught junior high biology for 36 years in Pleasant Valley, IA. Their ornithology collection was the result of a shared interest, and in 1997 they began to search for a permanent home.

PeterÕs alma mater could not accommodate all of the collection, nor could Mary LouÕs undergraduate institution provide an appropriate home. The Petersens were perplexed, as keeping the collection together was their priority. Then Peter approached Tom Dunstan, WIU professor emeritus of biology and longtime friend and colleague of the Petersens.

Although the Petersens had no scholarly or professional connection to Western, Mary Lou had met

Sodexo Campus Services provides lead gift to CSP/Student Services Summer Institute

Services Summer Institute. The opportunity to invest in peopleÕs lives is such a great occasion to give back.Ó

ÒWe have a fabulous network of successfully practicing student services professionals all over North America,Ó said Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson. ÒI continue to be impressed with the high caliber professionals that our CSP program produces and the

national recognition they receive. This generous gift from Sodexo will allow us to continue the tradition of inviting past students and staff back to campus to engage in continuing education and connect with peers and current staff and students.Ó

The 2009 summer institute took place June 25-26, leading into Macomb Heritage Days. As in the past, the

institute featured a keynote presentation by an expert in the field with ties to Western (past speakers were Michael Shonrock Ô79 MS Ô81, vice president at Texas Tech University; and Joe Pica, CEO of Educational Benchmarking, Inc.), educational sessions and panels focusing on a timely theme, a golf outing and social and a closing dinner.

ÒIn addition to helping the Summer Institute become self-sustaining, Sodexo’s gift is a significant statement about strengthening the longstanding partnership between them and Western Illinois University,Ó said Johnson. ÒWe are grateful for SodexoÕs commitment to Western and our preparation of student services professionals. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of former CSP students and staff.Ó

From l-r, Assistant to the Vice President for Student Services Jessica Butcher, Sodexo Campus Services Manager Allen nemec, Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson and CSP Professor Tracy Davis.

Planned gift supports ornithological collectionDunstan while both were in graduate school in South Dakota, and they remained in contact over the years. Peter approached Dunstan about housing the collection at Western in early 1997, and he reported back that Western would be delighted to accept the Petersen collection in its entirety.

ÒThis is an excellent collection accumulated by a man whose knowledge of birds was among the best in the country,Ó said Dunstan. ÒWIU was among several institutions interested in obtaining the collection, and we are fortunate to have been the recipient.Ó

The collection was accepted by WesternÕs library staff. In the wake of PeterÕs passing, thoughts of the collection or how it was being used were not foremost in Mary LouÕs mind.

ÒIt wasnÕt until Tom called a few years ago to say that the cataloging of the collection was complete and the University planned to host an opening ceremony that I realized this donation had created a lot of work for the library staff,Ó said Mary Lou. ÒI began to think that I should also provide some resources for maintenance and support of the collection.Ó

Mary Lou has designated a planned gift of $50,000 to support the Petersen Ornithological Collection at Western Illinois University.

ÒI was very pleased that Western picked up the ornithological collection. I complement everyone involved from packing and moving it to inventorying it and putting in the public domain. I intend my estate gift to support the work involved in the upkeep of the collection,Ó Mary Lou said.

ÒThis unique and outstanding collection from the Petersens will support research not only on the WIU campus, but for individuals and institutions in the region and beyond,Ó said Phyllis Self, dean of WIUÕs Libraries. ÒWe are honored and proud to house and present the comprehensive Petersen Ornithological Collection. We are so grateful for Mrs. PetersenÕs planned gift to support it.Ó

Peter and Mary Lou Petersen

Western news 11

Division of Student Services

Staff and volunteers from Casa Latina Cultural Center, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, International Friendship Club and the WomenÕs Center had a busy summer relocating to the new Multicultural Center. The official grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

The moves began in mid-June, with contractors, Physical Plant personnel, and others working in and around the building throughout the summer. The new furniture was delivered and installed the end of July.

ÒAlthough the Multicultural Center was not open to the public until just before classes began in late August, the directors and office managers were still available to meet with members of the campus community,Ó said WomenÕs Center Director Janine Cavicchia Ô87. ÒOur Resource Library books and audio/visual materials were shelved within a week of our initial move and available to be checked out throughout the process.Ó

Attracting and retaining a diverse campus community requires having a nurturing and supportive institutional culture, and the recent construction of the Multicultural Center has demonstrated WesternÕs commitment to those goals, Cavicchia said. The center will provide a strengthened opportunity for the recruitment and integration into the campus community of African American, Latino, international, female and other underrepresented students, faculty and staff.

ÒStudents, alumni and other members of the campus

Multicultural Center updateRibbon cutting set for Homecoming Weekend

community who have been in the Multicultural Center have been effusive in their praise of the new facility,Ó Cavicchia said. ÒSeveral alumni have commented that the University should be extremely proud not only of the building itself, but also of the commitment to multiculturalism and diversity that it represents.Ó

All three cultural centers within the new building held their annual open houses in August.

ÒWe look forward to hearing from and seeing our alumni, so please let us know any time youÕre planning to visit campus,Ó Cavicchia said.

Student Development and Orientation (SDO) provides programs, services and support that enhance student success, learning and development, focusing specifically on college transition; and offers additional support programs that aid in student retention. SDO serves as a liaison for students, family members, faculty, staff and the local community in emergency situations; offers consultation for students considering withdrawing from the University; and provides general assistance and referral to students with concerns of any type.

OrientationSDO helps new students make smooth transitions to

University life and provides programming to support

student growth, academic success and leadership. Emphasis is placed on studentsÕ academic, residential and personal adjustments. Western students, faculty and staff work together to provide a multifaceted orientation program to familiarize new students and their families with Western and with the Macomb community. SDO coordinates the Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) programs for incoming freshmen, New Student Registration for transfer students, nontraditional student orientation, minority student orientation and fall orientation.

SDO makes special efforts in orientation to address the importance of learning, academic success and leadership development. Sessions concentrate on appreciation of diverse student populations, multiculturalism, personal responsibility and commuter and nontraditional student needs.

SDO also produces the WIU Student Handbook, Preview, Fall Orientation Schedule and a variety of other publications.

Emergency and crisis follow-up assistanceSDO serves as an emergency contact for students

experiencing immediate health, emergency or personal issues that affect their academic performance. For students in crisis, the office acts as a liaison between students and their family members, faculty, University personnel and/or community agencies. SDO staff provides academic and moral support to those who have experienced a

personal tragedy. In the case of the death of a student or immediate family member, the staff assists with necessary notifications. SDO also coordinates the efforts of the UniversityÕs after-regular-business hours Emergency Consultation Team (ECT), which is designed to identify students at risk and connect them to appropriate resources.

University withdrawal/exit interviewSDO conducts exit interviews when students are

contemplating withdrawing from the University, to ensure students are aware of all options and alternatives when making this critical decision. Many times SDO can provide insight that may impact a studentÕs decision to withdraw.

Student Leadership OpportunitiesSDO recruits more than 100 student volunteersÑ

Student Orientation Staff (SOS) leadersÑt o assist in the fall orientation process by conducting small group sessions for incoming students in which they share their experiences to help new students feel comfortable in their new environment. In addition, 12 highly regarded student leaders are selected to serve on the Orientation Team (O-Team) and play an integral part in the SOAR programs as well as assist with fall orientation. The O-Team members present and facilitate sessions focusing on academic and personal success and connect with new students and families. Both O-Team and SOS leaders gain valuable leadership experience while helping new students transition to Western Illinois University.

Office Spotlight—Student Development and Orientation

Residence Hall ReunionsWestern alumni from the following floors/

years are looking to reunite with their residence hall floor mates. If you were a resident of any of the following floors in these years, and are interested in getting together with your old floor mates, contact John Biernbaum at J-Biernbaum@wiu.edu. The information will be forwarded to an individual attempting to coordinate the event.

Bayliss Hall 12th Floor 1972-1977

Henninger Hall 12th Floor 1972-1973

Higgins north 9th Floor 1970-1973

Thompson Hall 13th Floor 1975-1977

Wetzel Hall 8th Floor 1988-1990

Student Services is trying to reunite with former staff.

If you worked as a staff member in Student Services, (i .e . resident assistant, hall director, student activities, O-Team, etc .,) we would like to hear from you! The Division of Student Services has created a web presence at student .services .wiu .edu/vpss/alumni/update/front/index .asp to gather information on former staff members . Log on and help us provide better information to those working to set up staff reunions .

2009 Orientation Team

The 14,000-square-foot facility is now open after nearly two years of construction.

12 Western news

Division of Student Services

The tragic incidents at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, like a large stone tossed into a pond, sent ripples of concern and fear throughout higher education institutions across the country, including at Western Illinois University.

The University has sought ways to respond to these uncertain times with collaboration by many groups and departments such as the Emergency Operations Planning Committee, the Office of Public Safety, Student Development and Orientation, the University Counseling Center and the Emergency Consultation Team, to name a few.

The Emergency Operations Planning Committee, chaired by Dana Biernbaum Ô99, assistant vice president for administrative services, is one example of the work being done to increase safety and security. Biernbaum has provided exceptional leadership to ensure that Western Illinois University is prepared to respond in the aftermath of a large-scale emergency. This preparation has included several tabletop exercises and a full-scale active shooter exercise held in May; the drafting of an emergency operations planning manual; and implementation of the Western Emergency Alert System (WEAS). WesternÕs Office of Public Safety, under the direction of Bob Fitzgerald Ô74, has installed public announcement speakers to the emergency call boxes on the Macomb campus, as well as in the residence halls, so that announcements can be made in the case of an emergency.

Late last spring, in collaboration with McDonough County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Western participated in a full-scale emergency operations exercise on the Macomb campus. The exercise, which focused on an active shooter scenario, involved local, state and federal law enforcement personnel; first responders; state agency officials; and students from the Great Lakes (IL) Naval Base; WIU emergency and law enforcement personnel; WIU students; and select WIU staff.

In addition to being prepared to respond to a crisis situation, there are efforts underway to create a system

Taking steps to prevent, respond to campus emergencies Threat Assessment Team next step in prevention

with an intervention and prevention focus. In the Fall 2007, Jim DiTulio, director of the University

Counseling Center on the Macomb campus, was asked to join the Illinois Campus Security Task force and to chair a subcommittee that was charged with, among other things, the task of surveying every college and university in the state of Illinois to evaluate the availability of mental health services for college students and identify gaps in services. The product of this committee directly impacted the establishment of the Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008. That act outlined several requirements, one of which is the development and implementation of a campus violence prevention committee and campus threat assessment team at every college and university in the state.

Why are all of the institutions of higher education in Illinois being required to establish Threat Assessment Teams and what exactly is this?

A review of tragic incidents, like the shootings at Virginia Tech, revealed a common element. Many individuals had information of concern about the eventual perpetrator, but the pieces of the puzzle were not being shared in a central location with the appropriate people who could intervene and perhaps prevent violent acts from occurring. According the 2008 book ÒThe Handbook for Campus Threat Assessment Teams,Ó a Threat Assessment Team is Òa multidisciplinary team that interacts and operates on a regular basis.Ó

The team is available to review and discuss any students, employees or other persons who have raised concern and may be at risk of harming either themselves or others, or who pose a significant disruption to the learning, living, or working environment. The team receives and assesses all reports of threatsÉan d has the responsibility to evaluate the legitimacy of concerns reported to it, assess the likelihood that an individual may cause harm to himself/herself or others, develop strategies

for reducing the risk, implement these strategies, and then monitor and re-evaluate the situation to ensure that they have been effective.Ó

Western has a long history of efforts in place to identify troubled students and provide timely interventions through the Emergency Consultation Team (ECT), which was established in 1983 by Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson and his colleagues Nell Koester, Larry Miltenberger, Chuck OÕBrien and Cari Sheets MS

ED Ô72. The Emergency Consultation Team continues today, chaired by Tracy Scott MA Ô90 of Student Development and Orientation, but serves a somewhat different purpose and function than a Threat Assessment Team. For this reason, DiTulio will spend the next six months working full-time on researching, designing and implementing a Threat Assessment Team for the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses; one that Western can be proud of.

ÒWestern Illinois University has four admirable values that guide our fine

institution: Academic Excellence, Educational Opportunity, Personal Growth and Social Responsibility. However, we know from Abraham MaslowÕs hierarchy of needs, that physical and safety needs must be met before any individual or institution can address higher level needs or values,Ó DiTulio said. ÒSimply stated, we must ensure that our campus is a safe place to live and work before we can strive to obtain our individual and institutional goals.

ÒThe Emergency Operations Planning committee, the Emergency Consultation Team, the Office of Public Safety, the Quad Cities campus security team, and the establishment of a Threat Assessment Team on both campuses demonstrate that Western Illinois University is working hard to ensure we have a safe and secure environment to support our primary goal: the education of students and future alumni,Ó he added.

Student volunteer “victims” with “wounds” following the mock shooting exercise. A new Threat Assessment Team is being developed to help prevent an actual tragedy.

Student-actors and emergency personnel wait for further instructions during the exercise.

Response teams patrolled the campus, searching for the “shooter” and securing the perimeters during a full-scale emergency operations exercise May 27 that focused on an active shooter scenario.

A review of tragic incidents like at Virginia Tech revealed a common element: pieces of the puzzle were not being shared in a central location.

Western news 13

Division of Student Services

On August 7, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Higher Education Veterans Service Act, requiring colleges and universities Òto create, publish and distribute a comprehensive guide of services available specifically to veterans at their institutions. This bill also requires schools with 1,000 or more full-time students to appoint a coordinator to act as a liaison between administrators and student veterans.Ó

While most Illinois colleges and universities will be busy implementing this new legislation before the end of this year, these regulations were institutional goals accomplished by the University in 2007.

In fact, according to one official of the Illinois Department of VeteransÕ Affairs state approving administrator, WIU is at the forefront in service to Illinois veterans and their families.

ÒWesternÕs commitment to veterans is exemplary and will set the standard for other colleges and universities in Illinois,Ó said Joan Ryan, Illinois Department of VeteransÕ Affairs state approving administrator.

These standards include an array of policies, programs, and services designed to facilitate the successful transition from the military to college life.

Western will stay on the leading edge with the expansion of resources for veterans and reservists. Plans are slated for the 2009-2010 academic year to include opening of the Veterans Resource Center, currently located in the University Union, to the Wright Residence in Macomb.

The property, at 333 N. Ward St. (directly aross the street from the Alumni House), was donated to the University by Ken Wright, a Blandinsville veterinarian, and his wife, Betty. The center will include a computer/study room; two office areas for staff dedicated to assisting veterans and reservists; a lounge; and a private meeting room for students, University personnel, and community agency representatives. The center will also employ a minimum of four VA work study students who will serve as peer mentors and resource center assistants. Another priority will be to seek external funding sources so that Western can continue to meet the needs of a quickly growing veteran and reservist student population who

Western at the forefront of veteransÕ servicesVeteran-friendly campus offers one-stop center

willingly served their country. While many colleges and universities are competing for

students, WIU continues to enroll an increasing number of reservists and veterans each semester. The academic reputation of the University is often cited as the reason veterans choose WIU. Distance learning opportunities are appealing to veteran students, with course offerings providing the balance needed between work, families, education, and related commitments.

Many veterans and reservists say they are here because they were referred by their veteran counterparts who had positive experiences at the University. There are a myriad of reasons why veteran students choose to attend WIU, but the one underlying theme is clearÑWI U provides a welcome and friendly environment where veteran students can succeed.

A veteran returning from at least one year of active military service who has received an honorable discharge will be accepted to the University provided that WIU is the first school that the veteran attends after leaving the service. The veteran applicant must have graduated from a recognized high school or have earned a high school equivalency certificate. Early outreach efforts for newly admitted students enhance communication between the University and veterans physically located throughout the U.S., Iraq, or Afghanistan. This valuable connection allows students to complete necessary paperwork and establish personal ties with University officials early in the enrollment process. The University has also established student-centered policies for veterans when they are activated for military service, re-entering from military duty, and requesting transfer credit for military training.

Jason Worthington of Macomb is a junior kinesiology major at the completion of his first year at WIU because he was awarded 39 credit hours for his prior military training.

ÒEveryone at WIU goes above and beyond for veteran students,Ó he said. ÒThey are knowledgeable of the

programs and services that are beneficial to us, they strive to promote strong networks among veteran students, and their doors are always open to take care of anything that we might need. The administration is receptive to feedback from veteran students, and we have sincerely developed a mutual respect and positive working relationship.Ó

In 2007, student veteran leaders and the University administration agreed that a centralized approach to

serving this student population would provide greater opportunities for success via the development of a Òone-stop shop.Ó Veterans Resources, located within the Student Assistance and Parent Service Center, was established to address the need to streamline these services.

According to WIU Veterans Club President Matt Medhat, a sophomore general orientation student from DownerÕs Grove, those services are indeed streamlined.

ÒI actually started classes before I was formally discharged from the Marines. I had a lot to accomplish in a very short time period. Veterans Resources helped me from start to finish. I decided to take a few courses while I was home this summer. Suddenly, my GI Bill benefits stopped so I sought the assistance from the experts at WIU. They explained exactly what the other college needed to do to resolve my problem. Western is always one step ahead of the game.Ó

Many parallels can be drawn between building a veteran-friendly campus and the missions carried out by the military men and women that Western so proudly serves. Both undertakings entail visionary leadership, troops of dedicated professionals, collaborative partnerships, an unyielding loyalty to the cause, and a reverent commitment to succeed. WesternÕs ongoing pledge to serve its veteran student population has resulted in a model for other colleges and universities to emulate.

The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) presented the 2009 Parthenon Award to Garry Johnson, vice president of student services, at a recognition reception held at the 2009 Annual Conference and Exposition in Baltimore, MD.

Johnson received the award based on his continued contributions to the collegiate housing profession.

The Parthenon Award is the ACUHO-I FoundationÕs most prestigious award, recognizing supreme achievement in the profession, outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to the field of student housing.

To be considered for this award, members must have contributed 10 years of service to the housing, residential life, or affiliated profession and five years of service at the regional or international level of ACUHO-I.

ACUHO-I members work toward developing

Johnson receives Parthenon Awardexceptional residential experiences at colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions around the world. Members include thousands of housing professionals from more than 900 colleges and universities in 22 countries.

JohnsonÕs career highlights include more than 28 years of experience working in residence life and housing, 16 of which have been at Western. He has been an integral part of one of the major graduate college student personnel programs in the country. Johnson has had the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of young professionals as they created the foundation for their careers in the housing and student services profession.

Johnson served as president of the Upper Midwest Region (UMR). He was on the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) 1994 host committee and is a GLACUHO Distinguished

Service recipient. As a member of ACUHO-I, the international housing officers association, Johnson has served as president-elect, president and past-president; a foundation board trustee; the central district representative; the host committee chair; and a member of the time and place committee and the task force for involvement.

He has also served other professional organizations including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).

Garry Johnson

“Western’s commitment to veterans is exemplary and will set the standard for other colleges and universities in Illinois.”

Joan Ryan

14 Western news

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics reinstated the menÕs and womenÕs swimming and diving programs in June, a few weeks after the original announcement that the two programs were to be eliminated in an effort to balance the 2009-2010 athletics department budget.

According to Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tim Van Alstine, University officials decided that more significant restructuring was required to establish a long-term funding model that will support a competitive broad-based NCAA Division I athletics program.

ÒWestern Illinois University is committed to accommodating the interests and abilities of its student-athletes while making these restructuring decisions,Ó Van Alstine added.

The menÕs and womenÕs swimming and diving teams, which consisted of 23 student-athletes on partial scholarships in 2008-2009, will continue competition at the Division I level this fall.

ÒWe are grateful for the Leatherneck swimming and

Peterman takes positives from U.S. Open experience

WIU reinstates menÕs and womenÕs swimming and diving programs

Date Opponent Location Time (CST)

Thu, Sep 03 Sam Houston State at Huntsville, Texas 6 p.m.

Sat, Sep 12 northern Illinois at DeKalb, IL 6:30 p.m.

Sat, Sep 19 Stephen F. Austin Macomb, IL 6:05 p.m.

Sat, Oct 03 Southern Illinois (Family Weekend) *

Macomb, IL 6:05 p.m.

Sat, Oct 10 Youngstown State * at Youngstown, Ohio 5 p.m. (CT)

Sat, Oct 17 Missouri State (Homecoming) *

Macomb, IL 3:05 p.m.

Sat, Oct 24 Indiana State * at Terre Haute, Ind. 2:05 p.m. (CT)

Sat, Oct 31 north Dakota State (Hall of Fame/Senior Day) *

Macomb, IL 1:05 p.m.

Sat, nov 07 Illinois State * at normal, IL 1 p.m.

Sat, nov 14 northern Iowa * at Cedar Falls, Iowa 6:35 p.m.

Sat, nov 21 South Dakota State * Macomb, IL 1:05 p.m.

Sat, nov 28 nCAA Playoffs at TBA TBA *Ê ConferenceÊ Games

Football — 2009 Schedule

Naumann named swimming & diving head coach

Greg Naumann Ô02 MS Ô06, former Leatherneck swimmer and student assistant coach, has been hired as the head coach of the Fighting Leatherneck swimming and diving program.

ÒGreg was able to experience great success here at Western on a student-athlete level and I am confident he will carry on the tradition of hard work and dedication to the student athletes today,Ó said Tim Van Alstine, director of intercollegiate athletics. ÒHis familiarity with the Macomb area and Western alumni will allow him to continue to strengthen the program.Ó

Naumann returns to the Macomb area after serving as the assistant coach at Truman State.

A four-year letterwinner at Western (1998-2002), Naumann was a part of the 1998-1999 conference championship team under then-head coach Jerry Champer. Naumann joined Champer for the 2002-2003 season as a student assistant coach and also served as the head coach for the McDonough County YMCA.

ÒI have always been really interested in coming back to Western,Ó Naumann explained. ÒWhen coach Champer was here he had a really strong program. As the conference competition continued to grow and evolve, the menÕs team has slipped out of the top place, while the womenÕs team has remained toward the top. I want to be instrumental in bringing back the strength of the menÕs program.Ó

diving family and the greater swimming community, who have provided input, assistance and financial support during this process,Ó said Van Alstine. ÒIt is apparent, now more than ever, that the support for swimming and diving on a national scale is alive and well. Without that support we would not be able to continue our success in the pool and in the classroom.Ó

Western Illinois has not eliminated a sport since 1985 when men’s wrestling and women’s field hockey were dropped. WomenÕs soccer was added in 1997 and womenÕs golf was added in 2001, bringing the total number of Division I sports programs to 20.

ÒWe will go back to the drawing board and continue to look for creative ways to fund a broad-based, gender-neutral department at a competitive Division I level,Ó Van Alstine continued. Ò(The decision to cut swimming and diving) was certainly not an easy one, and I am very happy for our swimming and diving student-athletes today.Ó

Western Illinois golfer Kyle PetermanÕs stay at the 2009 U.S. Open wasnÕt as long as he had hoped, but it wasnÕt short on positive experiences.

Peterman, who qualified for the Open as an amateur by winning a playoff at the Grayslake Sectional Qualifier, shot a two-round score of 156 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., and missed the third round cut June 20.

Despite not playing as well as he hoped, Peterman said playing in the U.S. Open provided a great experience to a young golfer hoping to someday play at the next level.

ÒObviously I would have liked to play better, but just being out here around all these guys, I think I know a little bit more about myself,Ó Peterman said. ÒI know I can maybe someday be out here and play with these guys. There is not much difference between how they play and how I play. It is just more of an experience thing. ItÕs just

getting out there and being comfortable.ÓPetermanÕs U.S. Open experience started with practice

rounds with several notable PGA Tour regulars.ÒI played with David Toms, D.J. Trahan and Todd

Hamilton one day and Brian Gay the next day,Ó Peterman said. ÒI just saw Tiger (Woods) in passing. I kind of said a few words to him and he said, ÔHi,Õ and, ÔWhatÕs up?Õ back to me in passing.Ó

During the practice rounds, Peterman said he really got a chance to pick the brains of some of the regular PGA Tour players.

Despite rubbing shoulders with the best golfers in the world, Peterman said he couldnÕt afford to get star struck on the course.

ÒI was just trying to go out there and focus on one shot at a time,” Peterman said. “I definitely can take away

from this that I know I am one of the best players now for college. Just knowing that is going to help me tournament by tournament to believe in myself and know that I am one of the guys to beat.Ó

WIU golfer Kyle Peterman, right, signs autographs along with 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton, left, during the 2009 U.S. Open.

Savethe

Date!April 10, 2010

3rd Annual All Leatherneck

Reunion and Leatherneck Football Spring Scrimmage in

Chicago

Western news 15

existing academic programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Services, and Fine Arts and Communication to be part of the Riverfront Campus, according to Joe Rives, vice president of the Quad Cities, planning and technology.

ÒThe students, faculty and staff of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities are excited that the governor has signed the capital bill. We will use University funds to cover the culvert by the existing building. This will expedite construction to less than two years for Building 1 once funds are released,Ó Rives added. ÒWe will also simultaneously complete phase II architectural and engineering planning, so construction on that phase can begin as soon as possible.Ó

ÒWe are so thankful to our local and regional legislators, businesses and supporters, the General Assembly and the governor. With everyoneÕs support our dreams are now becoming reality, and we will soon be announcing a ground breaking and other new initiatives for WIU-Quad Cities as well as WIU-Macomb,Ó Goldfarb said.

Continued from page 1

Name ___________________________________________ Class year _____________________________________

Permanent address ______________________________________________________________________________

Temporary address ______________________________________________________________________________

Date(s) at temporary address ______________________________________________________________________

Home phone ___________________ Temporary phone ___________________ Cell phone ___________________Do you want to receive text messages from the university? o No o Yes

E-mail(s) ______________________________________________________________________________________

Will the temporary address remain the same in 2009? ___________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________________________

Attention Snowbirds!Before flying south for the winter,

leave your change of address with the WIU Alumni Association!

Mail the form below to:WIU Alumni Association 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455-1390 or fax (309) 298-2914. Information can also be e-mailed to A-Association@wiu.edu.

1 9 5 9 • 1 9 6 9 • 1 9 8 4

2009 Reunion and Half-Century Club Banquet

including the classes of 1958, 1960, 1968 and 1970

Travel Abroad with Alumni Programs

Class RingsThe WIU class ring is a tangible symbol of the bond between all WIU graduates and the institution that contributed to shaping their future. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits/ring.php (866) BALFOUR • (866) 225-3687

Diploma FramesChoose from a variety of designs to commemorate your outstanding collegiate accomplishment. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits/diploma.php(800) 633-0579

RockeNetworkA free online social network provided exclusively for WIU alumni to reconnect with friends and classmates and to network. Rockenetwork.wiu.edu

InsuranceOur partnership with American Insurance Administrators offers a variety of programs, including comprehensive short-and-long-term medical, disability, dental, and travel insurance. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits (800) 922-1245

Liberty Mutual PartnershipAn exclusive discount of up to 15 percent off auto insurance rates and much more. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits (800) 981-2372

WIU License PlateIf you have a car or class-B truck registered in Illinois and would like to support Western, order your WIU license plates today. Vanity and personalized plates are available. Also, a mobile unit will be provided in the University Union by the Secretary of State for certain driver and vehicle services Sept. 25, Oct. 30 and Nov. 30. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits (800) 252-8980

Rec Center MembershipsWIU alumni and their spouses and domestic partners may purchase memberships. wiu.edu/alumni/benefits/campusrec.php (309) 298-2773

WIU Alumni AssociationYouÕre a Member!Reap the Benefits!

Save the Date!Sept. 25, 2010

Delta Sigma Phi 60th Anniversary Reunion Celebration Sept . 25, 2010 - Homecoming weekend . More details to be announced . For more information contact Stan Harris ’62 at (309) 693-7856 .

Friday, Oct. 1611 a.m. or 2 p.m. . . Walking Tour of Campus1-3 p.m. . . . . . . . . . Photo Extravaganza, Malpass Library2 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Registration begins, Alumni House5-10 p.m. . . . . . . . . Social, Alumni House

Saturday, Oct. 178:30 a.m. . . . . . . . . Continental Breakfast, Alumni House10:30 a.m. . . . . . . . Homecoming ParadeNoon-3 p.m. . . . . . Alumni Cookout, ÒThe Right Place,Ó

the big tent west of Hanson Field3:05 p.m. . . . . . . . . Homecoming Football Game6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Social, University Union Capitol Room6:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . Reunion Class Photos7 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Reunion and Half-Century Club

Banquet

PeruJanuary 11-21, 2010March 8-18, 2010Approximately $3,245 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Israel & Jordan March 5-17, 2010Approximately $3,245 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Amalfi - The Divine CoastApril 28-May 6, 2010Approximately $2,545 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

ItalyÕs Lake DistrictMay 18-26, 2010June 15-23, 2010Approximately $2,445, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Call AHI International at (800) 323-7373 or visit ahitravel.com/westil.

16 Western news

College of Fine Arts and Communication16 Western news

Quesal elected ASHA fellowRobert Quesal, professor in the communication

sciences and disorders department, has been elected a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

According to the ASHA website (asha.org/about/awards): The ASHA Fellowship recognizes professional or scientifi c achievement and is given to members who have made outstanding contributions to the professions. The award is one of the highest honors that ASHA can bestow and is retained for life.

A board-recognized specialist in fl uency disorders, Quesal also holds the Certifi cate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA and the Illinois state license in Speech-Language Pathology.

He joined Western IllinoisÕ faculty in 1991 as a teacher and researcher. His primary research in the area of stuttering focuses on the psychosocial aspects of stuttering, including the speakerÕs experience of stuttering, as well as teasing and bullying. Quesal is the recipient of WesternÕs College of Fine Arts and Communication

WIU student is Miss IllinoisErin OÕConnor, a theatre-acting major and dance

minor, was crowned the 2009 Miss Illinois in June at the Miss Illinois Pageant in St. Charles. She will advance to the Miss America Pageant, which will be televised live Jan. 30, 2010 on TLC.

OÕConnor, of Evergreen Park (IL), was crowned the 2009 Miss Macomb in March. Her platform, “Take Care: Skin Cancer Education and Prevention,Ó is dear to her heart since her mother passed away from the disease. For her talent, OÕConnor danced ballet on pointe.

An American Cancer Society volunteer, OÕConnor was a team captain in a Spring 2009 Relay for Life event that raised $1,500 for cancer research. She also speaks to children at area schools about skin cancer prevention.

Art alumna wins selective fellowshipCredits time at Western for fi nding her own style

Kristin Beaver, a 2000 Bachelor of Fine Arts art alumna, has been named one of the prestigious Kresge Artist Fellows in the Visual Arts.

Beaver was one of only 18 recipients out of hundreds of applicants for the inaugural award. The fellowships, each including a $25,000 prize funded by The Kresge Foundation, are awarded annually to visual, performing and literary artists and are the largest such awards available to individual artists in metropolitan Detroit.

A Macomb native, Beaver teaches fi gure and basic painting and life drawing at Wayne State in Detroit, where she completed her masterÕs degree in 2004. She is represented by the David Kline Gallery of Birmingham, MI, where her work will be displayed in a solo exhibition that runs through Oct. 17 (dkgallery.com).

Her artwork is also featured in the collections of the David Klein Gallery and the Meadow Brook Art Gallery in Rochester, MI, and the WIU Art Gallery. She is also the subject of an article in an upcoming issue of the American Art Collector magazine. According to the Kresge website, Beaver paints Ólarger-than-life portraits of friends in cinematic poses inspired by fashion photography, album cover art and the history of painting. Dramatic lighting and punchy color illuminate subjects in photo-shoot environments, exposing different attitudes and personalities.Ó

WN: Tell us about your life growing up in Macomb. KB: I was born in Macomb to Phyllis and David

Beaver. My father taught P.E. at Western for 24 years, and my mother is the managing editor of Palaestra magazine, which was founded by my father in 1984.

WN: Is the painting-based-on-photos your sole choice of artwork for public/gallery display, or do you work in other mediums?

KB: I am primarily a painter, preferring oil as my medium. My work is photo-based; however, I have never shown my photos. They are like notes or preliminary drawings for the paintings; perhaps sometime in the future I will show them.

WN: How, why and when did you get started with this style?

KB: I had always wanted to be a painter, and as a child I tried to draw people. It wasnÕt until I was enrolled at Western that I really learned how to do both of these things. My favorite classes were in fi gure drawing and painting. Once I learned how to manipulate, paint, and document what was in front of me, it allowed me to move on conceptually, using other tools, like the photograph. IÕve always loved photography, so it was a natural progression to create photo-based paintings.

WN: Had you always planned to get a masterÕs degree?

KB: When I was younger I never thought about getting an MFA, but as soon as I was mid-way through college, I realized it was necessary to further a professional career in art by studying intensively for another three years.

WN - Why did you choose Wayne State for your masterÕs degree program?

KB: I learned a lot about Wayne State and Detroit through Michael and Julie Mahoney, two of my painting professors who had moved from Detroit and are WSU alumni. I had applied to a few other schools in other cities,

but chose Detroit because of its rich history and gritty environment. It is and always has been a breeding ground for visual arts and music. It is a very unique, exciting yet struggling city.

WN: What plans do you have for Kresge FellowshipÕs ÒunrestrictedÓ $25,000?

KB: It will allow me to work in the studio more this year. I will be teaching less and focusing more on painting, which is a nice change. It takes the edge off in terms of fi nancial stress, too. I can acquire supplies needed to work hard and produce new work.

WN: Looking back again to Western, who would you name as your top one (or two) teachers, and why?

KB: My education at Western would not have been the same without the Mahoneys, and Jan Clough. They were very generous instructors. I not only gained skill from their instruction, but I learned a lot about being an artist, and life in general. Obviously, others in the art department had signifi cant impact on my education, too.

WN: Anything else you would like to add?

KB: Western has a great art department! I almost didnÕt attend school there because I was from Macomb, but decided to take some art classes after graduating from high school a semester early and ended up loving it.

Kristin Beaver, a WIU ’00 graduate, paints “larger-than-life” portraits of friends in cinematic poses inspired by fashion photography, album cover art and other elements.

Scholarly Activity Award for 2008-2009.Quesal earned his bachelorÕs (1976) and masterÕs

(1977) degrees in speech and hearing sciences at Indiana University and his Ph.D. (1984) in speech pathology at the University of Iowa.

She has performed in University Theatre productions, Bard in the Barn, unrehearsed Shakespeare and two major dance shows each year.

OÕConnor is the fourth Western Illinois University student to be named Miss Macomb and then win Miss Illinois.

Calling all University Dance Theatre Alumni!

Join us for a reunion weekend of master classes, performances and celebration

December 3-5, 2009. Detailed information will be available

in the September College of Fine Arts & Communication E-news at

wiu.edu/cofac/enews.

Western news 17

College of Business and Technology

Nearly one year ago, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved Western Illinois UniversityÕs longstanding plan to offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. On Aug. 19, officials from Western Illinois University, the City of Moline, Renew Moline, the Quad Cities Illinois Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations brought that plan full-circle when the Caxton Block Building in Moline (IL) was dedicated as the new temporary home for the WIU engineering degree program.

Western began offering a Bachelor of Science in Engineering this fall at the Caxton Building, which is an extension of the WIU-Quad Cities 60th Street campus. Once Building One on the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus is completed, the engineering program will relocate to that campus.

ÒWe are deeply appreciative of the John Deere Foundation and the Moline Foundation that have, along with many others, contributed significant gifts that have made this day possible,Ó said Vice President for the Quad Cities, Planning and Technology Joe Rives. ÒOur move to the Caxton Block Building is so important as we prepare for our ultimate move to the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus.Ó

In Spring 2009, WIU-Quad Cities received a $1 million gift from the Moline and John Deere foundations to assist with funding the programÕs facilities. The Caxton Block Building houses four multimedia classrooms, including a seminar room equipped with video conferencing capability; a small instrumentation lab for research; two state-of-the-art engineering computer labs; faculty and staff offices; and student meeting and study spaces.

ÒThese collaborative relationships further WesternÕs mission of providing a quality, affordable public education to the residents of this region, and this new program builds on the UniversityÕs traditions of academic excellence and educational opportunity,Ó said President Al Goldfarb.

The new program is designed as a 2+2 program that articulates with pre-engineering programs at community colleges in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, which allows students maximum transferability to WIU. According to School of Engineering Director William Pratt, the degree

Ribbon-cutting held at new WIU-QC engineering facility

program requires a total of 121 to 129 semester-hours, depending on the requirements of the community college pre-engineering degree program.

According to College of Business and Technology Dean Tom Erekson, WesternÕs engineering degree addresses the demand for engineers who have a strong grounding in multidisciplinary engineering fundamentals.

ÒThis program positively impacts our region by meeting the educational needs of our communities,Ó Erekson added. ÒWe are excited that the program is beginning this fall and look forward to welcoming more students in the spring.Ó

Pratt added that the program incorporates design and teamwork throughout the curriculum, with numerous opportunities for practical, hands-on experiences. The

program is linked to QC businesses, industries and the Midwest Intellectual Property Institute through required internships and senior capstone design projects.

ÒWe, the faculty and staff, pledge our best efforts and are working hard to build on this foundation. We are a new program with an absolutely critical regional need,Ó he noted. ÒEngineering has always been and always will be a key economic engine for the economy. One of my favorite quotes to the students is this: ‘Scientists discover the way the world is É engineers design the world that never was!ÕÓ

For more information about the WIU engineering degree, visit wiu.edu/qc/engineering. Prospective students interested in learning more about the program and transferring to WIU-QC may call WesternÕs Quad Cities admissions at (309) 762-3999.

Officials from WIU, the City of Moline, Renew Moline, the Quad Cities Illinois Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations marked the dedicated of Caxton Block Building in Moline (IL) in August as the new temporary home for the WIU engineering degree program.

Western renames Department of Agriculture to School of Agriculture

Western Illinois UniversityÕs department of agriculture was renamed the School of Agriculture, effective July 1, according to College of Business and Technology (CBT) Dean Tom Erekson. Current agriculture department chair William Bailey is the schoolÕs director.

ÒThe name change to School of Agriculture better reflects the professional nature of our program and differentiates WesternÕs program from other programs in the state, and reminds our alumni that WIU values its agriculture unit,Ó Erekson noted.

WesternÕs School of Agriculture houses a range of ag-related disciplines, including business, technology,

education, animal and soil science, horticulture, natural resources and urban forestry. The school also oversees more than 700 acres of farmland and several hundred head of beef, sheep and swine, and also shares its research efforts with the public through field days and livestock programs.

ÒDesignating the agriculture department as the School of Agriculture more accurately reflects the breadth and complexity of our extensive programs,Ó Bailey added.

Housed primarily in Knoblaugh Hall, WesternÕs School of Agriculture continues as a unit within the College of Business and Technology. A new website, featuring a blog,

a user-friendly photo gallery and in-depth information about agriculture programs at WIU, has also been launched at wiu.edu/ag. In addition, an advisory board, comprised of local, state and national agriculture professionals, will be established to further advance the mission and programs of the school.

18 Western news

College of Business and Technology

What is your current title/position?JO: Product manager-kids at Universum Film GmbH in

Germany. Universum is part of the RTL Group and a subsidiary

of Bertelsmann AG. Bertelsmann is an international media company encompassing television (RTL Group), book publishing (Random House), magazine publishing (Gruner + Jahr), media services (Arvato), and media clubs (Direct Group) in more than 50 countries.

What positions did you have after leaving WIU and leading up to your current position?

JO: After I graduated from WIU, I went back to Germany to finish my graduate studies there as well. In May 2003, I started working within the division of Parks and Resorts at The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH in Munich. Soon thereafter, one of my colleagues left to go on maternity leave, and I was offered a temporary position as marketing and promotion assistant for Disneyland Resort Paris. I visited France almost every month and worked very closely with offices in London and the U.S. This gave me a lot of experience with the global corporate environment and doing business within an international scope.

Once my colleague returned from her extended leave, I was contacted by one of my friends at Disney who was working with an agency that was looking for a new team member. Since I was working in marketing, I thought some experiences within an agency would be beneficial. I started in April 2005 as account manager looking after different projects with well-known companies such as Ÿltje (food), o2 (mobile provider), Lycos (internet portal), Deutsche Bahn (German Rail), Kleenex, etc. When we pitched against other agencies about six moths later for the home entertainment division of Disney, my job became account manager for Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

In late 2007, based on contact from a previous internship, I was invited to Zurich to interview with Hyatt International and was offered a position as marketing communications manager at Hyatt Regency Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I left the agency in December 2007 to move to Dubai and pursue my new role. I led a small team and faced a totally new culture and country. Slowly, the effects of the financial crisis finally started to hit Dubai and I became concerned that my position would be eliminated.

After two months of intensive search, applications, and interviews, I was offered the position at Universum Film.

What interested you in pursuing the MBA from Western, and how did you decide to pursue it?

JO: The job market in Germany has never really been in favor of business graduates. First, there are so many graduates, more every year, so only the best will get the good jobs; and second, my major, marketing, is and was always a highly competitive field in which to specialize.

So I needed to find something that would make me different, stand out of the crowd. I did some very good

internships and worked as a promoter during my breaks, but then decided I need more international experience and maybe could even pair this with a masterÕs degree. When asking the international student office at my school in Bamberg, Germany, I was told that there were only two partner schools in the U.S., some in the UK and some in Spain, Italy, Sweden and other countries, but only one offering a masterÕs degreeÑWI U. So I applied, and arrived in Macomb in August 2001.

Tell us about your current responsibilities and some of the most interesting challenges that you have faced.

JO: When the economic crisis finally hit Dubai, we had to take unpaid leave and vacancies were not reoccupied. I was asked to take three months unpaid leave, not

knowing exactly what would happen after I returned. That was quite hard, as I had never expected anything like that would happen to me and did not know how I would live without a salary, especially in a foreign country. It took me quite a while to adapt to the lifestyle in Dubai and get to know the Muslim customs and Arab traditions. I had never lived anywhere so different from my home, and although I cannot say that I understand everything, I understand part of it now and really appreciate my experiences in the UAE, professional and personal.

In my new position as product manager-kids, my responsibilities are to

strengthen the kidsÕ brands in the home entertainment market through innovative ideas and co-operations, as well as establish new kidsÕ brands. I have to develop creative DVD concepts to market all titles within the Universum Kids product line. This incorporates the complete production process from premastering to the finished DVD product. Also I have to develop and implement targeted marketing campaigns and communicate with external agencies.

To what do you attribute your success as a young professional?

JO: I think there are a lot of different aspects that contributed to my success. There are basics, such as your education and practical experience, but also a lot of situations, people and frustration that you learn from and grow with. It is important that you are flexible, sometimes spontaneous, and a good team player. I have developed good organizational, communication and networking skills. I have tried to always improve these skills. Knowing my strengths and which of my abilities I can really benefit from has helped me to be assertive and straightforward, but not inconsiderate. Also, I canÕt overemphasize how being honest, prepared, and patient have been helpful in

CBT Young Alumna WIU degree opens international doors for Julia O§enbrŸgge MBA Õ02

Julia Oßenbrügge

my professional journey. What advice would you give to students graduating

from WIU in the near future? JO: Most important is to know what you want and

have goals to aim for. The journey is the reward; you only need to know where you are going and understand why.

Stay focused, but make sure you review your personal and professional goals from time to time. Try not to have the answer to everything right away. Talk to your friends and family if you are unsure; keep asking questions and never be too proud to ask for help, especially when starting your first job.

How did your time at WIU prepare you for where you are today?

JO: Being away from home was a challenge, but I had a great time in Macomb, meeting so many different people from different countries, with different backgrounds. Through my experience, I was able to interact and learn from students from Illinois, from across the U.S., other international students, and business peopleÑs ome already having a family. Understanding and adapting to this diversity was very important to me because of todayÕs global business environment.

At WIU, I learned to be even more independent, quickly adapt to new situations, be flexible and goal oriented. Nothing will prepare you more than getting thrown in at the deep end, not knowing what to expect, were you are going, who you will meet, and manage everything in a foreign language. So, whenever people ask me about my English speaking skills they usually smile and say ÒGuess your English is not too bad.Ó That is one of the reasons I got the job in Dubai.

Do you have any special advice/insight about the global climate in corporate culture?

JO: The economic situation right now is challenging, but I havenÕt seen that the international job market is worse. If you are always learning, and keep trying, and are confident in what you have to offer (e.g. good education, practical experience, and professional knowledge), youÕll be okay.

“The job market in Germany has never really been in favor of business graduates, so I needed something that would make me stand out of the crowd.”

Julia Oßenbrügge

We want to highlight your

accomplishments

Have you made a career move? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know about your professional accomplishments for future

editions of the Western news!

cbt@wiu.edu

Western news 19

College of Business and Technology

As a child Barb Ribbens aspired to be a linguist at the United Nations.

As an associate professor of management at WIU, her title may not be that of what she had planned, but she has indeed embarked on an international life. Since her start at WIU in 2000, Ribbens has spanned the globe, reshaping global awareness in the College of Business and Technology.

Her international experiences began when, as an MBA student, she served as an American teaching assistant for two months in Taiwan. Over the last nine years, her teaching has thrived through many opportunities for international projects. After coming to WIU, she took the opportunity to again teach overseas, with seminars in Bolivia; co-teaching with a Russian Ph.D. student in Ryazan, Russia; and arranging various trips for students to study abroad in Canada and Mexico. In 2008, while on sabbatical, she taught at Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico for fi ve months. This past summer, she taught at the Middelburg Center for Transatlantic Studies in Middelburg, Netherlands.

ÒThis summer, I took my class to one of the Hague Debates, which are a series of international justice lectures in the Peace Palace in Den Haag. The students were astonished to be in an audience of 400 people including global leaders, with lots of audience participation about the current justice issues facing the world. As a tie-in to management, I challenged my students to think about what would happen if the international justice tribunals started taking on companies whose policies broke generally accepted ethical principles. That created some really good discussion in our group.Ó

In all, sheÕs traveled to 20 different countries, and each place she goes gives her an idea for a class example or a way to challenge her studentsÕ perspectives. Over the years, she has become adept at integrating her international knowledge into the classroom and building a global bridge between the international cultures at WIU.

ÒIt certainly helps American students grow by realizing that someone sitting next to them sees the world

CBT Faculty Spotlight: Barb RibbensExpert on international business encourages global perspective

differently,Ó she said. This is helpful for the international students in her

classes at WIU as well, she said.ÒAll of my travels have given me wonderful examples

for teaching and changed the way that I approach international students. I used to worry about tapping into their experience and making them feel ÔdifferentÕ; now that IÕve lived elsewhere and realized that they already feel different, IÕve learned that they want to feel helpful. Asking them to share a perspective from their country, or comment on a company they may see differently than their American peers, often helps them integrate into the classroom instead of setting them apart. And often the American students are more curious and talk to the international students more after IÕve called on them to share.Ó

Her story might seem like that of many faculty at WIU. She fi rst visited the WIU campus in 1995 and liked it right away. Like many visitors to Macomb, she was pleasantly surprised.

“I was intrigued with Macomb, given that it didn’t fi t my ‘cornfi eld’ expectations. It had a bit more grace than many other Illinois small towns.Ó

She also admits a small bias for the simple life of Macomb, without traffi c and big-city problems.

She likes the freedom to research the topics she loves instead of having to focus on high-volume research designed to meet overarching tenure requirements, and she gives credit to her colleagues in the management department for making WIU such a great place to work. She also likes having smaller classes, in which she can nurture each of her students to be the best they can be.

“I fi nd that most students perform better than they expected if they are challenged, so I like to throw things at them that keep them thinking outside the box a bit,Ó she said. ÒI like the challenge of crafting the same material in new ways by incorporating current issues and real world events into my classes.Ó

And, while she admits that sheÕs done Òsome fairly cool research,Ó sheÕs fairly humble about her academic contributions.

ÒI really think my most important contribution is teaching creatively and trying to encourage others to take their teaching beyond the textbook by going outside their comfort zone. IÕm hoping to encourage other students and faculty to travel more and realize how rich the global opportunities are.Ó

Going beyond the classroom, Ribbens says her international experiences have led her to see the world differently.

Ribbens also notes that she has come to understand international media in a new way.

ÒI remember being in Bolivia during the primaries fi ve years ago, and the only U.S. news coming into their country the fi rst week we were there was Michael JacksonÕs alleged crimes, even though we were in the fi nal stages of deciding who would run to become U.S. president. That really opened my eyes about how the way others view Americans is so colored by the access they have to information.Ó

Some might say sheÕs well-traveled. But, for Ribbens, the journey has just begun. She hopes someday to retire from WIU and teach semester or seminar courses in various spots around the globe.

Ribbens, third from right, with students in the netherlands.

Favorite students: Bolivians who ask so many great questions after listening for hours.

Favorite place to take her students: Whale watching in a zodiac in Quebec.

Favorite small town: Middelburg, Netherlands. I loved riding bikes everywhere. Favorite ocean: At

the moment, the Aegean Sea around Greece where my daughters and I had a delightful time swimming this summer.

Favorite foreign food: Georgian food I had in Moscow.Favorite big city:

Rome, Italy. I love the ancient ruins like the Colosseum.

A snapshot of Dr. RibbensÕ international favorites

Favorite business site visits: Dow Terneuzen plant in the Netherlands and a tiny cheese factory in Queretaro, Mexico where I worked on a student consulting project.

Favorite mountains: The Andes. They are so sharp and high. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Favorite ice cream: Mexican ice cream called nieves, which translates as “snow.” It’s made in all kinds of great fl avors!

20 Western news

College of Business and TechnologySeeing the future in development for CBTQ&A with Becky Paulsen

Alternative Crops Day points out the possibilitiesWestern Illinois UniversityÕs Alternative Crops

Field Day 2009, held July 16 at WIUÕs Agriculture Field Laboratory in Macomb, provided a fascinating and promising look into the world of possibilities that are alternative crops.

ÒAttendees had the opportunity to see demonstration plots of bioenergy crops, oilseeds and other general alternative crops, as well as hear research updates about milkweed, cuphea and biomass crops,Ó said Win Phippen, associate professor in WesternÕs School of Agriculture. ÒWe also showed displays about winter annual oilseed production, and conducted a presentation about the recent research from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on field pennycress.”

Terry Isbell, research leader of the New Crops and Processing Technology Research Unit at the USDA, was on hand to discuss recent advances in commercializing pennycress production, and Peter Johnsen, chief technology officer from Biofuels Manufacturers of Illinois,

LLC, discussed his companyÕs efforts to develop a new biodiesel plant.

According to Phippen, the day is set up as a guided tour through the plots.

It has been nearly a decade since Western Illinois UniversityÕs School of Agriculture started its Alternative Crops Research Program, which was established to investigate new crops for the Midwest and to help revitalize local economies.

ÒWe started it in August 2000 to research crops that can fit into the corn and soybean rotations already in place to assist with pest problems and to increase crop diversity,Ó explained Phippen. ÒAs a result of funding we received from the Illinois Council for Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR), we have demonstration plots that produce oilseed, fiber and biomass crops, which may have implications for biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. We are also engaged in long-term studies that focus on improving yields and adapting crops to the current rotations,Ó he added.

Phippen shows attendees the cuphea crops grown at WIU’s Agriculture Field Laboratory in Macomb.

It has been nearly three years since Becky Paulsen took the reins as the CollegeÕs director of development. Recently, she sat down with Schuyler Meixner Ô98 MBA Ô04 and elaborated on her experiences for Western News.

WN: What do you enjoy most about your work as director of development?

BP: Development work is about enhancing the lives of others, and specifically, the lives of our students. I get excited when the students come back to campus in the fall and I hear the conversations in the hallways. These young people are eager to tackle the challenges before them in order to reach their goals, whatever they are. In the College of Business and Technology we are charged with the responsibility of educating, encouraging and fostering the growth of the business leaders of tomorrow. I am thrilled to be associated with the fine faculty who carry out this vital role with such passion, commitment and dedication. Our students truly benefit from this amazing environment.

In addition, working with the alumni and friends of CBT who give financially and otherwise, for the betterment of our students, is rewarding as well. At the end of the day, knowing that I am a part of this amazing processÐI wouldnÕt change a thing.

WN: Tell us about a specific relationship or gift that has been especially rewarding for you.

BP: I think for a professional who chooses development as a career, the first gift that they experience is especially significant and memorable. I remember traveling to Chicago with two faculty members to visit a College of Business and Technology alumnus. He had maintained his relationship with members of the accountancy department faculty over the years. We sat down to lunch and he began asking very specific questions about the challenges for the accountancy department. Before the meeting concluded, this caring and devoted alumnus had made a commitment to financially enhance an offer to recruit a faculty member, as well as an endowed professorship to support faculty endeavors for the future. Obviously this gentleman had done well with his career and appreciated the role that

his college journey had played in preparing him for his successes. But he didnÕt have to do what he did! He simply stated his desires to help and made a commitment. The students and faculty of the accountancy department are the fortunate recipients of his generosity. That was a moving experience for me.

I am always mindful of the fact that my role is not just about raising money for the College of Business and Technology. We need so much more than financial assistance and support. While I have no desire to diminish the significance of financial gifts, there is so much more that can be done by a concerned and interested friend or alumnus of the University and College. I continue to be amazed and impressed with our alumni who are willing to come back to campus to speak to our students about their experiences in the business world, and how their education here has prepared them for their professional journey.

WN: What changes have you seen in higher education development over the last 2-3 years?

BP: I have seen a significant growth in involvement from businesses and individuals who realize the importance of contributing to the knowledge of our students, and who realize how that, ultimately, will positively affect the health and well being of our society as a whole. There are three significant factors that are prevalent in the culture and climate of our education and business world right nowÑt he economy, the importance of an education, and the rising cost of that education.

There is a tendency to think that in tough economic times the outpouring of giving to others financially and otherwise diminishes. On the contrary, what I have seen is a growing awareness that our students must be given opportunities to interact with the real business world. Therefore, we have seen an increase in student scholarships funded by devoted and committed alumni and corporate partners, more individuals offering to speak to our students, and additional opportunities for our students to get off campus and into existing business

environments. WN: How do you envision

the CBT in the future? BP: I believe that we will

continue to keep up with the rapid pace of the business world. Our committed faculty will continue to educate our curious and enthusiastic students, with a focus on preparing them for a business world that we can only imagine.

How appropriate in this day and age to be a college of both business and technology, which go hand in hand and continue to change at a rapid pace. In order to provide the necessary environment for the leaders of tomorrow, we will see more and more engagement from outside influences. I know our efforts at increased synergies between the business and technology disciplines will continue to grow. Our efforts to represent and offer a diverse business environment will progress, and the College and our students will be enhanced as a result. Our faculty members are committed to their roles as educators and mentors for our students. That wonÕt change.

As the world continues at an almost frantic pace, I think that relationships are more important than ever. The access to technology and the ability for our graduates to stay in touch will be improved as we explore social networking and other methods of keeping our friends informed.

I believe the commitment of giving back by our alumni will continue to grow, allowing for more up-to-date facilities, newer technologies and access to software and subject matter not even seen on the horizon yet.

The future for the College of Business and Technology truly is a bright one. That may sound like a clichŽ, but I deeply believe it!

If you would like to become more involved with the College of Business and Technology, Becky welcomes your feedback. Contact her at (309) 298-2442 or B-Paulsen@wiu.edu.

Western news 21

University Libraries

Two librarians on the University Libraries faculty have been awarded grants from the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Jeffrey Hancks, Baxter-Snyder professor of Icarian and regional studies and unit coordinator of University Archives and Special Collections, has been awarded a grant to create digital versions of historic monographs on Illinois towns from the American Guide Series. These volumes were written by notable historians who were employed via the New Deal in the Illinois WritersÕ Project during the Great Depression. The books contain histories, descriptions of points of interest, maps, photos, and lore from places in Illinois such as Galena, Princeton, Nauvoo, and Cairo.

ÒThese books are treasures and give a glimpse into small-town life in Illinois during the 1930s,Ó Hancks noted.

Librarians awarded CARLI GrantsÒThey are valuable for people interested in the history and culture of Illinois.Ó

Hancks has previously overseen the digitization of other works about the region. Linda Zellmer, government information and data services librarian, has been awarded a grant to digitize volumes of The Laws of Illinois, beginning with the earliest volumes at Western, from 1831. These volumes are a treasure trove of historical information about Illinois and contain information of legal, cultural and even genealogical interest.

Hancks and Zellmer will be making their completed projects available online.

ÒI am very proud of Jeff and Linda,Ó noted Dean of Libraries Phyllis Self. “These projects reflect our commitment to preserving the history and culture of our state and region.Ó

Did you know?Librarians at Western answered over 10,000 research

questions last year. To ask your own, visit wiu.edu/library/help.

ÔText me this call numberÕA recent survey confirmed what most college students

(and those who work with them) probably already know: text messaging is the college studentÕs preferred form of communication.

So when University Libraries recently launched the ÒText MeÓ service, WIU library faculty and staff were pretty confident the service would be one that appealed to students.

Through Text MeÑ a service provided by CARLI, an Illinois-based consortium of which University Libraries is a member—when a library user finds a book, journal article or other resource through the online catalog on the libraryÕs website, he or she can just click on the words ÒText me this call number,Ó enter the mobile phone number and service provider, and the call number will be sent to the individualÕs mobile phone in the form of a text message.

ÒIndianaÕs Ball State University recently surveyed about 300 college students, and found that text messaging is their favored form of telecommunication, becoming more popular than e-mail, instant messaging and calling,Ó wrote Evan Shamoon, in a March 29 blog post on switched.com, a blog that covers digital communication tools and gadgets.

“Text Me,” a short video telling WIU students about the service and how it works, can be seen at WIU’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/watch?v=2yjlz1zZ1cU) and on MySpace.

In October and November 2010 the Leslie F. Malpass Library will host “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,Ó a traveling exhibit organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs office with major grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The exhibit coming to Western is the result of a grant from the NEH which was written by former Marketing and Outreach Librarian Jeffery Darensbourg and assistant professor of history Timothy Roberts. The exhibit focuses on LincolnÕs approach to the complex issues surrounding

Malpass Library to host Lincoln Exhibit in 2010the Civil War and the difficult, sometimes controversial, decisions made by the president. Darensbourg, who is project director for the grant, recently traveled to Philadelphia to view the exhibit and receive training on its presentation.

“It really is a top-notch exhibit, one of the finest we could bring here,Ó he said. ÒI think the University and community will truly benefit from this.”

Public programming such as lectures, discussions, and readings will coincide with the exhibit with the assistance of local organizations such as the Macomb Public Library

and the McDonough County Historical Society.

ÒWe really want people to not only view the exhibit, but also to participate in the programs as a way of learning more about Lincoln and his era,Ó Darensbourg said. ÒWe think visitors will come away with a new appreciation of a complex man in difficult times.”

To see how University LibrariesÕ Text Me service works, check out the video on YouTube or MySpace. For more information, contact TJ-Urbanski@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-2762

Western Illinois University Libraries invites former and current library

student assistants and librarians to the

First Library Student Assistant Reunion Gala

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Plan to spend time with fellow alumni at the

Leslie F. Malpass Library’s Garden Lounge

7:00 – 9:00 PMRefreshments will be provided.

Please R.S.V.P. no later than October 1 to

SS-Sellers@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-2762.

22 Western news

College of Arts and SciencesLooking back on a ÔWiseÕ manÕs WIU career

Researchers study resiliency after 2008 flood

As professor and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for 32 years, Dan Wise affected more than a generation of WIU students in every department in the college.

Upon the announcement of his retirement, the College of Arts and Sciences asked two people who interacted with him on a daily basis to comment on “the Wise man:” his colleague and supervisor Inessa Levi (I.L.), former dean of the college (now provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA); and his wife, Paula Wise (P.W.):

I.L.: The value of Dr. WiseÕs accomplishments is

evident by the awards he has received over the years, including an Outstanding Teacher Award (1984), a Distinguished Teaching Achievement Award from the National Council for Geographic Education (1982), and an Administrative Distinguished Service Award (2006).

P.W.: Dan was born in 1946 in Maple Heights, OH,

a suburb of Cleveland, the son of Charles and Theodora Wise. He graduated from Maple Heights High School in 1964 and headed for Ohio University in Athens, OH. In a geography class at Ohio U., a professor wrote a note on DanÕs exam, saying something to the effect of ÒWhy not major in geography?Ó I think this marked a turning point for DanÑn ot only did he take the professorÕs advice, but also, it has made him realize over the years how a simple comment or remark by a teacher can have a lifelong impact on a student.

DanÕs faculty adviser at Ohio U, Dr. Wilhelm, recommended that Dan pursue his interest in meteorology at the graduate level, and Dan started his graduate studies at Northern Illinois University in 1968. He was drafted out of graduate school for service during the war in Vietnam. He served in the Army in the states and returned to DeKalb to complete his masterÕs degree after being discharged. While at Northern, he was greatly influenced by Dr. Jack Villmow, the coordinator of the meteorology program and a dynamic lecturer.

Villmow was an old graduate school friend of S. Earl Brown, a geography professor at Ohio State, and on VillmowÕs advice, Dan chose Ohio State to continue his studies. When he finished his studies, an old graduate school friend of BrownÕs, Arlin Fentem Ô49, was then chair of the geography department at WIU. There was a job opening in meteorology at Western, Dan applied, where he remained over the last 32 years.

I.L.: Dan joined the geography department faculty in 1977 as an assistant professor. He was instrumental in establishing and coordinating the meteorology program, which is now one of the most popular majors in the college. He also established the computer cartography program. In 1987, he was appointed as geography department chairman and held that post until 1998. In 1999, he became associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

P.W.: In the geography department, Dan worked with

and learned from many remarkable colleagues. Arlin Fentem, Dick Longwell, Ron Nelson, Bill Griffin and Bob Gabler, among others, have been friends, colleagues and mentors throughout DanÕs career here. Through them he has had opportunities to become involved in department, University and professional service. Bob Gabler, for example, brought Dan in as co-author of a successful textbook, ÒEssentials of Physical Geography.Ó

As chair of the department, Dan had the opportunity to mentor newer faculty and to continue to build the meteorology program as well as other programs, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Over the years he has been a popular local speaker about the weather. He has always enjoyed teaching and has received University and national recognition for his talents as a teacher.

Since moving up in the administration, Dan had the chance to have a broader impact on WIU. As associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, his primary areas of responsibility were budget and space, although he also spent considerable time in areas such as teacher education and summer school.

I.L.: He also regularly taught a course each spring, despite his busy schedule as associate dean. In this role he served as an adviser to me on matters concerning the collegeÕs budget, management of space and facilities in the college, issues related to secondary teacher education, and CAS matters on the WIU-Quad Cities Campus.

Dan has been a spectacular member of the collegeÕs management team. He truly understands the operations of the University and functions in this environment very well. I was fortunate to have an outstanding team of administrators in the College of Arts and Sciences; they function very well as a team and we depended on each otherÕs skills and experience.

P.W.: I know that Dan will be missed by his co-

workers, past and present, for his strong work ethic, his knowledge of the workings of the University, and his sense of humor. I look forward to having him home more often and not setting the alarm in the mornings! We plan to travel more to see our son, Ben, our mothers, and other interesting places around the world. Macomb, however, will likely be our home base and we hope to see our many friends and acquaintances around town.

I.L.: I will miss DanÕs humor and his experience with

working with people from across the University. He has been a good administrator and a great friend to me.

By Bonnie Barker Õ75 MS Õ77

Two anthropologists from Western Illinois University are working to put human faces and voices on the consequences of last summer’s flooding of the Mississippi River by meeting with area residents who were seriously affected by the 2008 floods and are willing to share their insights.

In June 2008, the Illinois governor’s office requested that WIU provide expertise and technical assistance in determining the economic, environmental and social impacts of the flooding in the region. The findings from this research will be integrated into disaster recovery policy.

The information collected will be used to help develop better disaster responses, according to Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, an associate professor of cultural anthropology at Western. She and David Casagrande, assistant professor of

anthropology, received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for their work.

Also conducting flood research at the request of the governor’s office are the College of Arts and ScienceÕs Institute for Environmental Studies (IES) and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center, and WesternÕs Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

English and Journalism professor Bill Knight Ô71 also contributed to this report.

L-R: Dan Wise, geography chair Sam Thompson (seated), former geography chair Chris Sutton.

Former English instructor passes away

Viktor Kemper, a writing instructor and senior associate faculty member in WesternÕs English and journalism department, died July 20 in Macomb.

Kemper joined WesternÕs faculty in August 1984 and taught in the University Writing Program for 25 years. His specialty was English 280, College Writing, and he taught the only night writing courses in the department.

During his career at Western, Kemper continually expanded his academic expertise by teaching a variety of department courses.

Outside of the classroom, Kemper served as a reader for poetry manuscripts submitted to the Mississippi Valley Review in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

WIU researchers Heather McIlvaine-newsad and David Casagrande at a house in Meyer, (Adams County, IL) six months after the 2008 flood.

Western news 23

College of Arts and SciencesMartinelli-Fernandez named interim CAS dean

Susan Martinelli-Fernandez, associate dean for research, graduate studies, grants and faculty research and development in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), was appointed interim CAS dean, effective July 1, said Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas.

Martinelli-Fernandez had served as associate dean since 2005. She is serving in the interim position until a permanent dean is hired to replace Inessa Levi, who accepted a position as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University.

Prior to being named associate dean, Martinelli-Fernandez served as a professor in the philosophy and religious studies department. She has been at Western since 1993.

ÒDr. Martinelli-Fernandez has served on numerous University committees and has vast experience in curriculum development, graduate education, grants, Honors programming and personnel,Ó Thomas said. ÒHer appointment as interim dean provides continuity and

strong leadership through this transitional period as the University searches for a new CAS dean.Ó

Martinelli-Fernandez has served as the chair and co-organizer of CLASS (Celebrating Liberal Arts and Sciences), a College of Arts and Sciences awareness committee. Under her leadership, the group organized the first panel discussion of the Dialogue series, moderated by Martinelli-Fernandez, in which University and community leaders are brought together to discuss democracy and education.

Martinelli-Fernandez served as interim associate director of WesternÕs Centennial Honors College and, with Martin Dupuis, former interim director of the Honors College, co-designed WesternÕs First Year Experience (FYE) initiative pilot program in the Honors College. FYE, a program designed to assist students transitioning from high school to college, became a part of WesternÕs general education curriculum in 2005.

Also in 2005, Martinelli-Fernandez received the

College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching and was inducted into WesternÕs chapter of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and is an honorary faculty member of WesternÕs Golden Key Honour Society.

Martinelli-Fernandez has also served as co-director of WesternÕs Program for the Study of Ethics and an executive board member of the International Society of Ethics Across the Curriculum. She earned her masterÕs degree in social sciences and her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Chicago.

Romano named biological sciences interim chair

Western Illinois University Biology Professor Michael Romano has been named interim chair of the biological sciences department, effective Aug. 1, according to College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Susan Martinelli-Fernandez.

Romano fills the position left vacant by the appointment of longtime Chair and Professor Rick Anderson to interim associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

ÒI am grateful to Dr. Romano for stepping in to help us during this period of transition in the college,Ó said Martinelli-Fernandez. ÒHis experience with faculty and personnel, budget and curriculum will serve the college well in the coming months.Ó

Since coming to Western in 1984, Romano has served on numerous departmental and University committees. He served as chair of his departmental personnel committee; and he has served as vice president (2004-2007) of the Western Illinois Chapter of University Professionals of Illinois (UPI), the UPI/Administration negotiation of contract agreement (2006-2007), the University Graduate Council (2006-2007) and the Distance Learning Advisory Board (2007). He also served as an elected member of the Upper Mississippi River Research Consortium executive board in the roles of president (2003-2004), vice president (2002-2003) and secretary (2000-2002). He was named Western IllinoisÕ 2008 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer.

Western Illinois University alumnus Roland P. Burke, 63, of Creve Couer, MO, passed away on Aug. 6

Roland Burke, who earned his bachelorÕs degree in political science with honors (1968) at Western, was to receive the College of Arts and Sciences 2009 ' LVWLQJ XLVKHG� $ OXP QXV� $ Z DUG�GXULQJ �WKH�FROOHJH�V�annual scholarship fund raising dinner on Oct. 16.

He earned a masterÕs degree in urban and regional planning (1977) from the University of Iowa.

Originally from Springfield, IL, Burke began his professional life in Boston, MA working at the Boston Housing Authority. He later worked as a multi-family real estate developer with the Bartlett Development Company and went on to become an executive vice president of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston, where he worked from 1984-1999. Burke served as the president of Gannon Development Company in Saint Louis from 1999 until his retirement in December 2008. During his tenure as president, the Institute of Real Estate Management named Gannon the Saint Louis Multi-family Property Management Company of the Year three times.

An active member in community service, Burke served as chairman of the board of the YMCA in West Roxbury, MA. He was a member of the Ethical Society of Saint Louis and served on its board of directors and building and grounds committee. He also served as a member of the board of directors of the World Affairs Council of Saint Louis.

In April 2009, Western Illinois UniversityÕs College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Board named Burke the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus for his lifetime professional and civic achievements. His reputation as a community conscious individual who worked with various municipalities to develop low- and moderate-income housing through HUD and Section 8 programs was recognized throughout his career.

ÒRoland was a fantastic alumnus,Ó said College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Susan Martinelli-

Fernandez. ÒI had the good fortune to meet him at last yearÕs Homecoming celebration. He had an amazing energy and outlook. His distinguished alumnus award was certainly a well-deserved honor. Our condolences go out to Connie, Christopher, Matthew and the rest of RolandÕs family.Ó

ÒWe are saddened by the loss of Roland,Ó said College of Arts and Sciences Advancement Board President Cathy Early. ÒWe were excited to name him distinguished alumnus this year. His record of life-long achievement in his professional and personal life was a shining example of someone who paid forward his success. We will continue with plans to present his distinguished alumnus award posthumously in October.Ó

Burke was known for his love of family, his great verve for life, his wonderful sense of humor, his leadership skills, his dedication to physical fitness and his ability to turn everyone he met into a friend. He was an avid reader, expert crossword and Sudoku puzzle master, and a lifetime runner, having run 1,000 miles each year and competed in numerous road races. He loved to travel and visited many countries around the world. Burke was also a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln and collected Lincoln memorabilia. He belonged to and led Great Conversations, Great Books and Short Story groups centered at the Ethical Society. He believed strongly in a constant improvement of body and mind and was always educating himself further. Roland was also a dedicated hard worker who strived for perfection and won many prestigious awards throughout his career.

Surviving are BurkeÕs wife, Connie Case Burke, and his sons Christopher J. Burke and Matthew E. Burke. He is also survived by his brother, Charles E. Burke of Springfield, IL, three step-children, seven step-grandchildren, one nephew and one niece.

24 Western news CLASSnOTES

1959 Charles Armitage MS-ED Ô62, Normal, was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from IVC District 321 and the Chillicothe Alumni Association. (cmarmitage@aol.com)

1968 Dennis Bishop, Basking Ridge, NJ, retired from superintendent of schools for Murray.

Vance Rugaard, Nashville, TN, was named President of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education & Certification. He is executive director of Teacher Licensing.

1969 C. Thomas Ahlstrand, Davenport, IA, is president of Corporate Business Consultants, Ltd. (tappo22@earthlink.net)

1971 Dale Doty MS Õ73, Grand Junction, CO, has been named the new vice president of academic affairs at Florence-Darlington Technical College.

Michael Lane MS-ED Õ77, Sullivan, is a visiting assistant professor for the University of Illinois at Springfield. (maledd@yahoo.com)

Robert Nardelli, Atlanta, GA, has rejoined Cerberus as chief executive officer of Cerberus Operating and Advisory Company LLC.

1972 Karen Wehrmacher Sabey, Waverly, IA, is an adjunct instructor of math education for the University of Northern Iowa and received her Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from UNI in May.

Jerry Vogler, Normal, has retired from human resources with GTE/Verizon and is now the superintendent of the VeteranÕs Assistance Commission for McLean County. (jerryvogler@gmail.com)

1973 Michael Bleich MS Õ79, Gibson City, has retired as principal of Gibson City Middle School.

Jim Blouch, Mt. Prospect, has retired as principal of Lincoln Middle School.

Lamont Gray, Gainesville, VA, is a contract negotiator staff for Lockheed Martin Corp. in Manassas. (lamont.gray@lmco.com)

1974 Doug Earl, Prophetstown, has retired after 34 years of teaching high school math. (theduke44@frontier.com)

1975 William Bouma, Racine, WI, is a fire chief for South Shore consolidated Fire/EMS Dept. (wbouma@mtpleasantwi.gov)

Frank Christensen, St. Charles, is involved with Honor Flight Chicago, an organization dedicated to taking WW2 veterans to Washington, DC to see the WW2 Memorial for free. (frank@frankrobert.net)

CLASS nOTE CRITERIAInformation received will be published in the next

edition of Western News only if any of the following have occurred in the past 12 months: a job change; promotion; special honor; retirement; marriage (include date); births or adoptions (include date).

Information will be listed by year of first degree earned. Due to the high volume of address changes, information will not be published if there simply has been a change of address. All information submitted will be updated in the Alumni database and can be viewed in the online alumni directory as well as in the online version of Western News at wiu.edu/alumni.

Ñ WI U Alumni Programs

Kathleen Roth Frasco, Denver, CO, is a corporate receptionist for Oakwood Homes, LLC. (kaf3236@yahoo.com)

Jay Howe MA Õ80, Deerfield, has retired as assistant superintendent of Glencoe Schools. (ftfce17@juno.com)

Mary Metcalf Patton MS, Springfield, OH, is a career management & community outreach director for Clark State Community College. (pattonm@clarkstate.edu)

Daniel Peters, Newton, PA, is the president and CEO of Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals Inc.

John Rawlings, Mt. Prospect, has retired from CNA Insurance as a divisional vice president. (rawlibear@aol.com)

David Weissenburger, Stephenville, TX, is a department head & professor in the Psychology & Counseling Dept. for Tarleton State University.

1976 Cheryl McClenahan Kuba, Chicago, is a manager of Professional Services for the central & eastern regions for LivHOME.

1978 Joyce Oscar Cross, Roswell, GA, is a reporter for WSB-TV Atlanta. (joyce.oscar@wsbtv.com)

Carin Horne Stutz, Leawood, KS, is a senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer of Global Business Development for Brinker International, Inc.

1979 Patrick Carlson, Lemont, is the owner of Patrick T. Carlson Insurance in Oak Brook. (pcarlson@mafcompanies.com)

Greg Hutcheson, Cedar Hill, TX, is a vice president for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Dallas. (gregory.e.hutcheson@smithbarney.com)

Kenneth Karman M.ACCT, Chillicothe, is a retired CPA. (kkarman@mtco.com)

Brandon Manus, Grand Prairie, TX, is a Dallas Regional Staff Attorney in the Office of Injured Employee Counsel for the Texas Dept. of Insurance. (bemanus@yahoo.com)

1980 W. Mike Bushman, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, is a program manager for L-3 Interstate Electronics Corp. in Anaheim. (bushfam_mck@mcn.com)

Richard Doria MS, Chandler, AZ, won the 2009 National Field Archery Championships held in Tippecanoe, OH.

Jacqueline Skinner Jackson MS Õ87, Upper Marlboro, MD, is an interim dean of academic affairs for the Community College at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. (jacquiej2@gmail.com)

Ricky Olson, Allen, TX, is a government/public relations specialist for FDIC in Dallas. (rolson@fdic.gov)

Beth Moore Stephens MS-ED Ô01, Bowen, is a caregiver connections early Childhood Mental Health consultant for Transitions of Western Illinois in Quincy.

1981 Kelly Wayland Deason, Daphne, AL, is director of finance for Mobile Museum of Art.

1982 Kathleen Copelin, Plano, TX, is a customer support specialist for the American Heart Association in Richardson. (crittercope09@yahoo.com)

Rosalie Nelson Gardner MS-ED, Waterloo, is a curriculum specialist for Monroe-Randolph ROE # 45.

Mark Jacobs, Medford, OR, is a trombonist for Oregon Shakespeare Festival, an instructor for Southern Oregon University and principal trombone for Rogue Valley Symphony in Ashland, OR.

Jim Rowland, Peoria, is the coordinator of the Medical Education Program for the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria.

1983 Robin Hatfield, Muang, Chiangmai, is a lecturer for Chiang Mai University in Thailand. (ajaanrobcmu@gmail.com)

Michael Lukas, Palatine, is a recruiting consultant for First Choice Group, Inc. in Barrington. (mike@firstchoiceinc.net)

Robin Rairdin Nystrom MS-ED Ô98, Bradenton, FL, is owner of AmericaÕs Mattress. (robinnystrom33@yahoo.com)

1984 Mike Brinkman, Belvidere, is vice president of sales for FFr-DSI, Inc. in Cleveland, OH. (michael_brinkman_601@comcast.net)

Steve Downs MS, Hillsborough, NJ, is the marketing director for MHP.

1985 Theron Schutte MS-ED Õ91, ED SP Õ98, Boone, IA, is the superintendent for the Bettendorf Community School Dist.

Frederick ÒDerekÓ Weaver, Jr. MBA, Vienna, VA, is vice president of Mantech.

1986 Linda Burklund Helenthal, Pikeville, KY, is the director of Emergency Services for Gateway Medical Center.

Manzoor Wahid MBA Õ87, Islamabad, Pakistan, is a finance & administration director for American Institutes for Research. (maxwahid@gmail.com)

1988 Brian Budny, Wheaton, is a commander for Deerfield Police Dept. (bbudny@deerfield.il.us)

S. Kent Miller MFA, Canton, MO, has been promoted to professor of theatre and technical director in the Fine Arts Division for Culver-Stockton College.

1991 Darcy Rote Thompson SSP Ô94, Geneva, is a principal for Fabyan Elementary School.

1992 Cecilia Diaz, Berwyn, is an assistant director of admissions for the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago and received the Bronze Star during Iraq Tour Dec. 2008.

Derek Dyer, Bettendorf, IA, is a global program manager for John Deere in Moline. (derek.dyer@gmail.com)

Donna Plier Gagliardi, Adams, TN, is a 5th grade teacher for Clarksville Montgomery County School System. (donna.gagliardi@yahoo.com)

Memphis Alumni & Friends Event5/30/09 Capriccio Grill at The Peabody Hotel

Seated, l-r: Barbara Stafford Albiniak ’80, Julie Williams Moore ’91 and Chris Favero Stella ’92. Standing, l-r: Mike Sondag ’74, Mike Sargent Õ87, 2006 Honorary Doctorate recipient Norm Teeter Õ67, Corrine Sondag, Sue Powell Dexter Õ80 MBA Õ81, David Benstein Õ76, Mike Stella Õ93, Barbara Benstein, Curtis Moore and Minus Adams Õ82.

Western news 25CLASSnOTES

L-r: Charlie Hubbard ’76, Athletics Director Tim Van Alstine, Alumni Council member Jay OÕBrien Õ78 and Tom Edwards Õ81.

In front, Head Basketball coach Jim Molinari. In back, l-r: Alumni Achievement Award recipient Lloyd Simonson Õ66, Assoc. Athletics Director Dwaine Roche Õ94 and Brian Savage Õ73.

L-r: Mike Miler, Matt Salisbury, Josh Kutilek ’06, Curt Alsvig ‘06, Nathan Young ’08, Tom O’Brien Õ07, Matt Saey Õ06 and John Binkowski Õ92.

L-r: Ralph Heatherington ’71 MS-ED ’72, Alumni Achievement Award recipient Jim Mortier Õ65 MS-ED Õ67, John Highland Õ75 and Frank Yaccino Õ70.

L-r: Tony Cozzi ’75, Bob Heyne ’76, Assoc. Alumni Director Amanda Shoemaker, Sonny Liston Õ78 and Rick Beuke Õ77.

L-r: Dan Hamburg, Illinois gubernatorial candidate, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and Alumni Council member Kirk Dillard Õ77, Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Achievement Award recipient and Board of Trustees member Bill Epperly Õ68, Gerry Dakin Õ67, Alumni Achievement Award recipient Roger Key Õ70, Alumni Achievement Award recipient Rod Ahitow Õ69, Director of Non-Traditional Programs Rick Carter and Ken Krupa Õ79.

L-r: John Henderson ’73 MBA ’76, Larry Lebbing Õ74 and Donna Kastning.

Seated, l-r: Tom Rafferty ’66, Ron Eastman, Pete Cassidy ’67, Ross Brooks ’65 and Pat Walsh ’64. Standing, l-r: Dick Raber ’67, Chuck Trumpinski ’63, Bob Williams ’69, Tony Campo ’64 and Al Hooks Õ63.

L-r: Dick Raber ’67, Pete Cassidy ’67, Ross Brooks Õ65, Illinois gubernatorial candidate, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and Alumni Council member Kirk Dillard Õ77, Dan Hamburg and Ken Krupa Õ79.

Charlie Boe Õ76, Director of Planned and Major Giving Brad Bainter Õ79 MS Õ83, Pat Kulisek Õ74 and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Jim Clary Õ79.

L-r: Joe Kinney, Mike Litwin ’70, Alumni Achievement Award recipient Ron Comm Õ70 and Brad Comm.

L-r: Joe Maxwell ’71, Steven Greenfield ’72, Al Brandenberg Õ72, Ron Thompson Õ70 and Pat OÕNeill Õ72.

L-r: Tom Christy ’77, Kevin McCarthy ’76, Matt Hair and Bill Hair Õ77.

ÒThe Western OpenÓ Chicago Golf Outing6/8/09 Seven Bridges

26 Western news CLASSnOTES

1993 Harold Clark, Jr. MS, Gretna, LA, is a talk show host and producer for Clear Channel Radio/WYLD-FM in New Orleans. (heclarkjr@aol.com)

Bret Derrickson, Warrenville, is a broker for American Invsco in Chicago. (bret@bretderrickson.com)

Donald Storey, Wichita, KS, is a detective for Wichita Police Dept. (dstory@wichita.gov)

1994 Kevin Cotte, Cary, is a firefighter/paramedic for Elk Grove Village and Cary Fire Departments. (kjcotte@sbcglobal.net)

Suanne Raber, Aspen, CO, is the director of development for Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club. (sraber@teamavsc.org)

Patrick Ullrich, Huntley, is a deputy chief for Bartlett Police Dept.

1995 Michael Carpentieri, Ft. Lee, VA, is employed with the ammunition warrant for the United States Army. (dadio54@hotmail.com)

Jerome Green, Moline, is a diversity recruiter for the State of Iowa. (jerome.green@iowa.gov)

Dean Gui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, is an English Instructor for City University of Hong Kong. (eurasia72@yahoo.com)

Timothy Wernentin MS-ED, ED SP Ô04, Bettendorf, IA, has been selected as the new principal of University City High School in University City, MO.

1996 William Baird, Belvidere, is an education specialist for Bradfield’s Computer Supply in Peoria. (leeb@bradfields.com)

Andrea Stoltz Block, Milan, is an IT projects manager for John Deere.

Jennifer Dawson Gasque, Pooler, GA, is a registered nurse for Memorial Medical Hospital. (gascap68@yahoo.com)

Caroline Province Gheorghiu MS Õ98, Joliet, is a speech language pathologist for New Lenox School Dist. # 122.

1997 Rob Doyle, Joliet, is a teacher for Plainfield School Dist.

New York Alumni & Friends Event6/10/09 Sardi’s

Quad Cities Golf Outing6/9/09 Short Hills Country Club

L-r: Cori Martin, Jim Martin ’72, Kathy Offermann ’75, Brenda Malinoski Martin Õ73 and Jim Lodico Õ62 MS-ED Õ75. Behind golf cart, l-r: Dave Kelm, Grant Andresen and Jim Moore.

L-r: Alumni Achievement Award recipient Steve McCann Õ78, Rick Lawson, Brian Gernant and Wayne Guinee.

Front row, l-r: Marcy Schnepf and Janelle Bush Carter ’05. Back row, l-r: Jim Moore, Jim Lodico ’62 MS-ED ’75, Grant Andresen, Kevin Kilstrom, Jim Bush and Dave Kelm.

Andrew Furgason MS, Davenport, IA, is a counselor for Furgason Professional Counseling, PC & Southpark Psychology in Moline.

David Hutchins, Modesto, CA, is a professor of Psychology & Religious Studies for Chapman/Brandman University in Orange. (hutchinsdlee@hotmail.com)

Carmel Devine Mooney, Yuba City, CA, is a self employed author, columnist, and radio talk show host.

John Schmidt, Carpentersville, is an information systems coordinator for the Village of South Elgin. (dynamitejohnny@hotmail.com)

Gary Shelton, Carol Stream, is manager for McCain Foods in Lisle. (gary_f_shelton@hotmail.com)

Lori Brown Vincent, Viola, ID, has retired as a probation/parole officer for the Department of Correctional Services in Burlington, IA. (lorijvincent@gmail.com)

1998 William Engel, Woodbridge, VA, is a national operations manager for the Department of Homeland Security. (william.engel@dhs.gov)

Sarah Megginson Littrell, Chatham, is a teacher for Rochester High School.

William Lovekamp MA, Mattoon, is an assistant professor for Eastern Illinois University in the sociology department.

Mark Ostap MA Õ02, Antioch, is the principal of Golf Middle School in Morton Grove.

Holly Nelson Quinn, Bloomington, is a catastrophe analyst for State Farm Insurance. (quinnholly@comcast.net)

Stephanie Zimmerman, Decatur, is a customer relationship specialist for Illinois State University.

1999 Cynthia Pettie Green MS-ED, Moline, is a licensed professional clinical counselor for Southpark Psychology. (greenc@bhc.edu)

Jill Styx, Chicago, is a leasing manager for Village Green/Camco.

2000 Amy Baker Alford, Lewis, KS, is a CNC operator/programmer for Cross Manufacturing, Inc.

Scott Francis MS, Gainesville, FL, is an assistant director of housing for the University of Florida. (g8rphann@gmail.com)

Tara Mulholland Furgason MS-ED Õ07, Davenport, IA, is a counselor for Robert Young Center in Moline.

Amy Long MS Õ02, Lawrence, KS, is an associate director of student involvement & leadership center for the University of Kansas.

Whitney Cassens Mehaffy, Zeigler, is a director of health education for Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Dept. (wmehaffy@yahoo.com)

Eric Swanson, Gilberts, is director of security at St. Alexius Medical Center. (eswanson1@sbcglobal.net)

Western news 27CLASSnOTES

2001 Dani Hofmann Ettema MA Õ07, Dubuque, IA, is an administrator for Heritage Manor.

Prashanth Gowda MS, Urbana, is a staff physician for the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. (prashgg@yahoo.com)

James Kostelny, Bolingbrook, is a senior immunization specialist for GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, PA. (jdkostelny@hotmail.com)

Kate Schander, Peoria, is a clinical dietitian for Methodist Medical Center of Illinois.

2002 Ryan Simmons, Colona, has been named vice president of ticketing and business development for the Quad City Mallards.

Rena Hutchison Willey, La Harpe, is the director of Patient Financial Services at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

2003 Penelope Barrett, Orlando, FL, passed the Illinois Bar Exam in February.

Tanaya Anson Cook, Rock Falls, is a teacher at St. Andrew Elementary. (tanaya_anson@yahoo.com)

Kimberly Rodeen Daunoravicius, Canton, MI, is a senior account executive for CareerBuilder.com. (krodeen@gmail.com)

Jim Droste MS, Oakfield, WI, is the pastor for Oakfield/Tabor United Methodist Churches.

Marissa Hollenback, Los Angeles, CA, is a musician. (contact@marissarox.com)

Melissa Kizior, Bartlett, is a receptionist for Banfield Pet Hospital.

Amber Knott MS Õ05, Wheaton, is a speech-language pathologist & lead therapist for Communication Clubhouse.

Paul Rust, Midlothian, TX, is an assistant fire chief for the City of Weatherford.

Bridget Kennedy Siverts, Chicago, is a wine consultant for Southern Wines and Spirits of Illinois.

Tanya Do Soule, Aiken, SC, is a postdoctoral associate for Savannah River National Laboratory.

2004 Ashley Bishop Cushman MS Õ06, Austin, TX, is an assistant media relations director for the University of Texas Athletics. (ashley.cushman@athletics.utexas.edu)

Juliet DÕSouza MS, Freeport, is a biology instructor for Highland Community College. (juliet.dsouza@highland.edu)

Dawn Schall Dolinski, Chandler, AZ, is a junior high special education teacher for Cesar Chavez Community School.

Tiffany Eddinger, Alpena, MI, is a child welfare specialist for Child & Family Services of Northeast Michigan. (tiffanyeddinger@gmail.com)

Tim Miller, Morton, is a technical engineer for Caterpillar in Peoria.

Ethan Mosley, Bloomingdale, is a veterinarian at Elmhurst Animal Care Center.

Christopher Mullins-Silverstein, London, England, is a researcher for the Scottish National Party. (cmsilverstein@gmail.com)

Dawn Sievertsen MS-ED, Ottumwa, IA, is an elementary principal for Pickwick School Ð Ottumwa School Dist. (dawnsiev@yahoo.com)

Benjamin Six, Chapin, is self employed as a farmer and a swine production partner with The Maschhoffs. (six_benji@hotmail.com)

2005 Lindsey Ledet Ballschmiede, Aurora, is a referral coordinator for Concentra. (futbuton@yahoo.com)

Jay Cushman, Austin, TX, is a product specialist for Harte-Hanks. (jay.cushman@hotmail.com)

Peoria Alumni & Friends Event6/25/09 Contemporary Art Center with Preston Jackson

Seated, l-r: Alumni Achievement Award recipient and Alumni Council member Rhonda Haffner Õ87, Debi Neff MS Õ87, Preston Jackson, College of Fine Arts and Communication dean Paul Kreider, Brad Glenn Õ79 and Director of Foundation Communications Julie Chatterton Murphy ’94 MS ’95. Standing, l-r: President Al Goldfarb, Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas, Art Department chairperson Charles Wright, Scott McCoskey Õ95, LaMar Anderson Õ99, George Baughman Õ60 MS-ED Õ67, Lisa Kerr-Bisbee Õ84, Ronda Glenn, Jo-Ann Morgan, Shirley French Anderson and Director of University Scholarship Activities Janice Campbell Owens.

L-r: Ronda Glenn, Brad Glenn ’79, Preston Jackson, Beth Black and Lisa Kerr-Bisbee Õ84.

Dennisa Darr, Ft. Worth, TX, is an administrative specialist for Athletic Advancement at the University of North Texas.

Melissa Garcia, W. Chicago, is a volunteer reading teacher for Amanecer Foundation in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Luke Gosnell, Warsaw, was awarded the Bronze Star fighting the war in Afghanistan.

Yvonne Granstrom, Wheeling, is a reinsurance analyst for Markel Corporation in Deerfield.

J. Jay Marino ED SP, Cedar Rapids, IA, is superintendent for Dunlap School Dist.

Lindsey Moreno Miller, E. Moline, is a criminal investigator for the US Army. (lindsey.r.miller@us.army.mil)

Nicholas Stasi, Durango, CO, is a police officer for the Durango Police Dept.

Aaron Surratt, Dubuque, IA, is an area coordinator for the University of Dubuque.

Kari Reagin Surratt, Dubuque, IA, is a teacher for East Dubuque School Dist.

Ashley Wheelhouse, Virginia, is a kindergarten teacher for New Berlin Community Unit School Dist. # 16. (awheel_83@hotmail.com)

Rebecca Cooley Whitfield, Belton, TX, is a 911 dispatcher for Bell County Communications.

2006 Darlene Gonzalez, Marion, IA, is an applications specialist for Genencor International.

John Sax, Mountain View, CA, is an assistant director of research for Stanford University in Menlo Park. (john.sax@stanford.edu)

Autumn McGee Scott MS, Galesburg, is an admissions representative for Monmouth College.

Stephen Sowers MS Õ07, Owings Mills, MD, is an assistant marketing director of Towson University Dept. of Athletics. (steve_sowers@yahoo.com)

2007 Nicholas Clesceri, Tinley Park, is a police officer for Romeoville Police Dept.

Dyanna Daniels, Westmont, is director & marketing coordinator for Windows of Wonder Child Care Center in Joliet.

2008 Katie Bechtold, Crete, is registrar at Ingalls Hospital. (katiedid0318@hotmail.com)

John Bruce, Chicago, is a juvenile detention counselor for Cook County Temporary Juvenile Detention Center.

Brett Porto, Elgin, has been named the new head boys basketball coach for Burlington Central High School.

Zachary Roan, Springfield, is a police officer for Highland Police Dept.

2009 Daniel Hernandez MS, Denton, TX, is the coordinator of Greek Life at the University of North Texas. (daniel.hernandez@unt.edu)

Brooke Laird Hunigan, Davenport, IA, works in property management for Darwin T. Lynner Co. (omar_brookehunigan@live.com)

Dave Shovlain MS-ED, Clinton, IA, is the athletic director at Davenport North.

Shawn Wilber, Rochester, is a human resource coordinator for Menards.

Michael Wnek, Salt Lake City, UT, is a field engineer for Kiewit Western Co. (mrwtke104@gmail.com)

MarriagesStephanie Bartels Ô99 and Shawn Conover, May 2, 2009.Ambor Branch Ô04 and Timothy Gibson, July 4, 2009.Michael Carpentieri Ô95 and Rhea Williams, June 9, 2009.Shawna Casady Ô91 and Shannon Davis, Dec. 13, 2008.Laura Chasey Ô06 and Matthew Dillon Õ06, Sept. 18, 2009.Leticia Childs Ô03 and Michael Tyler, Apr. 25, 2009.Kelly Colgan Ô92 and Chris Hartweg, Mar. 7, 2009.Rebecca Cooley Ô05 and Harold Whitfield II, Apr. 25, 2009.Justan Each Ô02 and Rebecca Griffin, July 25, 2009.Jessica Ekman Ô08 and Leland Sattler, June 6, 2009.Ray Ernat Ô91 and Barb Sertell, May 16, 2009.Rebecca Featherlin Õ78 M.ACCT Ô82 and Ralph Faxon, May 23, 2009.

Adam Fett Ô06 and Emily Bendlage, Aug. 29, 2009.Tonya Green Ô08 and Nicholas Neira Õ08, June 20, 2009.Steven Icenogle Ô97 and Megan Koenig, June 27, 2009.Katie Kellum Õ03 MBA Ô04 and Chris Borth Õ03, Apr. 25, 2009.

Babette Kilburn Ô02 and Corey Bice Õ05, Aug. 1, 2009.Deanne Krieger Ô05 and James Lessard, June 27, 2009.Melissa Kurtz Ô09 and Marty Jacobs Õ05, Aug. 15, 2009.Seberina Lacey Ô06 and Shawn Thrush Õ06, Aug. 8, 2009.Lindsey Ledet Ô05 and Brandon Ballschmiede, Apr. 14, 2009.

28 Western news CLASSnOTES

Sammie Marcum Ô07 and Christopher Macpherson, June 13, 2009.

Matthew Pollpeter Ô08 and Elizabeth Steffensmeier, Aug. 1, 2009.

Caroline Province Õ96 MS Ô98 and Dorin Gheorghiu, Jan. 10, 2009.

Kimberly Rodeen Ô03 and Jonas Daunoravicius, Apr. 19, 2008.

Benjamin Six Ô04 and Gennifer Schutz, Mar. 21, 2009.Mandi Snyder Ô05 and Christopher Still, June 28, 2009.Joseph VanderBeke Ô06 and Sarah Seffrin, Sept. 5, 2009.

Births and AdoptionsAustin Akers Ô06 and Heather, a son, Alex Taylor, July 5, 2009.

Bambi Havens Beekman Ô98 and Bradley Beekman Õ93, a daughter, Brynlee Frances, July 10, 2009.

Kerri Fedyski Bowers Ô00 and Todd, a son, Caden John, Sept. 16, 2008.

Jessica Bunch Butcher MS Ô96 and Chris, a daughter, Mullen Grace, July 21, 2009.

Sylvia Cage Ô99 and Alex White, a son, Alex Martin White, Jr., Mar. 11, 2009.

Carrie McNamara Conley Ô98 and Chad, a daughter, Kylie Nicole, Apr. 28, 2009.

Tanaya Anson Cook Ô03 and Larry, twin sons, Lucas W. and Logan L., June 15, 2009.

Kevin Cotte Ô94 and Jill Brabec Cotte Õ95, twins, a son, Gunnar Herman and a daughter, Morgan Jillian, June 2, 2009.

April Fanella Courtney Ô02 and Tom Courtney Õ02, a daughter, Hailey Jean, July 14, 2009.

Ted Gayford Ô01 and Katy Taake Gayford Õ01, a daughter, Sadie Kate, June 10, 2009.

Charlene Stagen Hafey Ô05 and Ryan Hafey Õ07, a son, Kaelyn Ryan, Apr. 14, 2009.

Audra Payne Hampton Ô97 and Jack, a son, Jack David III, Apr. 9, 2009.

Anne Ryerson Haverback Õ00 MS-ED Ô05 and Michael Haverback Õ02, a daughter, Emily Lynn, Apr. 29, 2009.

Doreen Gonzalez Hebert Ô94 and Shawn, a daughter, Keira Nicole, Jan. 30, 2009.

Noelle Rodgers Horbaczewski Ô04 and Kevin Horbaczewski Õ03, a daughter, Cadence Noelle, Dec. 10, 2008.

James Kostelny Ô01 and Katie White Kostelny Õ02, a daughter, Gabrielle Paige, June 10, 2009.

Sarah Megginson Littrell Ô98 and David, a son, Reagan McCord, Oct. 11, 2008.

Joy Merryman Lyon Ô05 and JD, a daughter, Annie Reese, Apr. 26, 2009.

Whitney Cassens Mehaffy Ô00 and Jason, a daughter, Anya Danielle, Sept. 15, 2008

Emilie Vergon Miller Ô03 and Tim Miller Õ04, a son, Payton James, July 6, 2009.

Melissa McIntyre Panizzi Ô00 and Douglas Panizzi Ô97, a daughter, Mia Anne, Feb. 13, 2009.

Holly Nelson Quinn Ô98 and Doug, a son, Aiden, June 23, 2009.

John Schmidt Ô97 and Maxine, a son, Rylan Alexander, June 14, 2008.

Heather Nelson Stokes Ô96 and John, a son, Jacob Charles, May 30, 2009.

Aaron Surratt Ô05 and Kari Reagin Surratt Õ05, a daughter, Emily Jean, Dec. 7, 2008.

Constance Lincoln Upton Ô04 and John Upton Õ01, a son, Jayson Dalton, Nov. 25, 2008.

Tracy Seng Wren MS-ED Ô06 and Tim, a son, Brody Michael, Mar. 18, 2009.

Crystal Herren Wright Õ03 MA Ô04 and Josh Wright Õ03 MBA Õ04, a son, Liam Samuel, May 28, 2009.

Peoria Golf Outing6/26/09 WeaverRidge Golf Course

L-r: Dave Wickness ’68 MS-ED ’69, Robert Grove ’80 MBA Õ85, Director of Planned and Major Giving Brad Bainter Õ79 MS Õ83 and Steve Larson Õ78 MBA Õ79.

L-r: Fred Lueders ’75, Mike Ghidina ’93, Marty Lomelino ’88 and Duane Demmin Õ72.

L-r: Steve Carley ’76, Pat Farrell ’76, Bill Noble, Defensive Coordinator Tom Casey and Mike Bleich Õ73 MS Õ79.

L-r: Dusty Markey, Clint Peterson ’98, Chad Mayall and John McCarthy Jr..

L-r: Dick Hohulin, Mike McCoy, Dan Ostrander ’93 and Larry Sunday.

L-r: Bob Chaplin ’84 MS-ED ’88, Jason Kaufman MS ’99, Asst. to the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Dana Stites Moon Õ98 MBA Õ01 and Director of Non-Traditional Programs Rick Carter.

L-r: Marlin France, James Lantz ’92, Dan O’Neill and Todd Hamilton Õ88.

L-r: Assoc. Athletics Director Dwaine Roche ’94, Athletics Director Tim Van Alstine, Bill Kelley Õ75 and Pat OÕNeill Õ72.

Western news 29CLASSnOTES

Washington DC Alumni & Friends Event7/9/09 Monicle’s

Chicago Alumni & Friends Event7/11/09 The Cubby Bear

Root Against the President7/30/09 White Sox vs. Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field

Deaths George H. Birkmeier, Pekin, Sept. 13, 2005.William ÒBillÓ J. Butcher, Seattle, OR, July 6, 2009.Eloise Caspall, Macomb, May 18, 2009.Eugene ÒGeneÓ Cathers, Macomb, May 20, 2009.Mary Ida Morrow Conn, Macomb, June 6, 2009.Brenda K. S. Fauls, Macomb, July 28, 2009.Donald D. Hainline, Sciota, May 17, 2009.Viktor R. Kemper, Macomb, July 20, 2009.Robert J. Mathieson, Canton, MO, Sept. 11, 2007.Adron W. McMahon, Macomb, Dec. 18, 2007.Eleanor L. Litchfield Pontifax, Macomb, Apr. 28, 2009.Harold Roe, Macomb, May 10, 2009.Nondas V. Thrasher, Bushnell, May 18, 2009.1929 Elizabeth Roark MSE Õ47, Macomb, May 18, 2009.1931 Alyce Thomas, Macomb, July 15, 2009.1934 Myrtle E. Thompson Moriarity, Cambridge, Oct. 5, 2008.

L-r: Alumni Achievement and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Gary Baise Õ63, Artie Travis Õ79 MA Õ82, Seth Roderick Õ99, Lacey Allaman Roderick Õ03, Sarah Roderick Õ03 and Ann Hentges Brodeur.

Seated, l-r: Bob Ukachukwu ‘83 MS ’85, Quinn Bilyeu and Joan Maze. Standing, l-r: Alumni Achievement Award recipient Dick Weart ’70, Ricardo Thomas, Bob Klannukarn Õ90, Shannon Johnson Õ95, Andrew Hime Õ06, Kaley Rowe, John Ziagos Õ70, Kristin Leighty, Ross Braun Õ82, Vikas Balani Õ89, Pamela Eason Õ83 and Luke Kessler Õ08.

Front row, l-r: Dennis Walker ’99, Jennifer Dixon ’02, Jenna Steiner ’01, Alumni Council member Katie Kellum Borth ’03 MBA ’04, Josh Myers ’01 and Marty Pugliese. Second row, l-r: Phillip Leibas Õ97, Cathy Malloy Õ98, Tina Azemopoulos, Alumni Council member Matt Bills Õ99, Carrie Shoraga Bills Õ98, Jennifer Fox Õ96 MS Õ98, Holly King, Kelly Canavan Õ01 MS-ED Õ05, Kelly McBride Õ02 Õ08, Alumni Council member Mona DÕAntonio Spencer Õ76, Kathy Sullivan Gumbel ’78, Ginny McGarrity ’78 and Reggie Karas Devers ’78. Back row, l-r: Alumni Council member Jeff McElroy Õ97, Chad Hartwig Õ00, Heather Kent Hartwig Õ00, Leann Stahl, Patrick Burns Õ00, Joseph Farris Õ08, Jason Scott Õ09, Greg Wilson, Stephanie Jolly and Michael Palm Õ02.

Front row, l-r: Lauren Weeks ’06, Pete Johnson ’05, Alumni Council member Jay O’Brien ’78, Alumni Council member Andy Goleman ’85 and Joe Gniadek. Middle row, l-r: Carole Sterling, Lauren Bielat Õ08, Matthew Cuplin Õ05 MS Õ07, Colin Parker Õ05 MS Õ07, Sean Potempa Õ08, Jenna Steiner ’01 and Jennifer Dixon ’02. Back row, l-r: Tim Sterling ’72, Matt Yellin ’06, James Morgan Õ07, Jonathan Noble Õ09, Luke Wickman Õ07, Boomer Moore Ô08, Tom OÕBrien Õ07, Alumni Council member John Sanders Õ74 and Charlie Hubbard Õ76.

Seated, l-r: Alumni Council member Carol Lewis Scott ’70, Alumni Achievement Award recipient and Alumni Council member Rhonda Haffner Õ87, Debi Neff MS Õ87, Alumni Council member Jerry Cremer Õ89, Debbie Novotny Carter Õ75 and Alumni Council member Mona DÕAntonio Spencer ’76. Standing, l-r: Anna Krowczyk, Dustin Bainter, Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Achievement Award recipient and Board of Trustees member Bill Epperly Õ68, Board of Trustees student member DÕAngelo Taylor, Alumni Council member Kris Kelly Õ90 MS Õ92, Alumni Council member Jim Carter Õ75 and Alumni Council president Roger Clawson Õ77.

Front row, l-r: Maggie O’Brien, Alyssa Neitzel and Assoc. Alumni Director Amanda Shoemaker. Back row, l-r: Assistant Alumni Director Michael Jones, Curt Alsvig Õ06, Tom OÕBrien Õ07 and Matt Saey Õ06.

Front row, l-r: Ava and Emma Dillard. Back row, l-r: Robert Dulski Õ08, Illinois gubernatorial candidate, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and Alumni Council member Kirk Dillard Õ77, Stephanie Dillard and Head Basketball coach Jim Molinari.President Al Goldfarb takes in the game with fellow fans.

30 Western news CLASSnOTES

Black Alumni Reunion Weekend7/31/09-8/1/09, Chicago

Western news 31CLASSnOTES

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fax (309) 298-2914, or online at wiu.edu/alumni * NOTE: Information will be included in WesternÕs online directory and in the online Western News.

New Alumni Council members

Four new members will serve the Western Illinois University Alumni Council for the 2009-2010 year. They include:

Jim Carter Ô75, a recently retired teacher and former chairperson of the science department at Glenbard East High School in Lombard (IL), graduated from WIU with a bachelorÕs degree in biology. He received his masterÕs degree and educational specialist degree in educational leadership from NIU.

Jim Phillips Õ98 MA Ô00, a history and political science instructor at Highland Community College in Freeport (IL), graduated from WIU with a bachelorÕs and masterÕs degree in history.

Micah Roderick Ô00, an account executive at Frontline Association Management in Springfield (IL), graduated from WIU with a bachelorÕs degree in political science. He received his masterÕs degree in public administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Carol Lewis Scott Ô70, a professor emeritus of fashion design and merchandising and a retired faculty development coordinator at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn (IL), graduated from WIU with a bachelorÕs degree in PE. She now owns TrueThreads, a sweater/knitwear design business in Glen Ellyn. She received her masterÕs degree in management/adult and continuing education from National Louis University.

Comprised of 25 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, the Alumni Council represents the interests of WesternÕs more than 105,000 alumni. Members serve as liaisons to various University areas and on advisory boards. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association. The council meets on a quarterly basis.

Roger Clawson Ô77, a State Farm Agent in Moline (IL), serves as president.

1961 Dorothy R. Robeson Anstine MS-ED Õ68, Macomb, May 13, 2009.

1961 Raus C. Cooper, Burlington, IA, May 25, 2009.1961 Gary L. Myers, Somonauk, Mar. 14, 2009.1965 Paul E. Icenogle, Palatine, June 8, 2009.1965 Susan R. Rains Sprenkle, Moline, June 16, 2009.1968 Walter J. ÒJohnÓ Fay, Decatur, Oct. 30, 2008.1968 Eldon L. Wright, Bloomington, June 20, 2009.1969 William B. Lyons, Jr., Springfield, July 11, 2007.1970 Carol M. Strejc, Tinley Park, Dec. 30, 2007.1971 Owen C. Fox MS-ED, Forest Grove, OR, Apr. 1, 2009.1972 Lewayne O. Autrey, Luke AFB, AZ, Aug. 7, 2004.1972 Curtis E. Carlson, Austin, TX, Oct. 25, 2008.1972 Mary Jo Melvin MA, Stronghurst, June 16, 2009.1972 Lorraine Bunfill Unger, Ava, MO, May 27, 2009.1973 William H. Friebus, Lombard, Jan. 22, 2009.1974 Michael R. Ford, Bloomington, June 6, 2009.1975 Paul J. Carson, Belleville, May 7, 2009.

1975 Charles A. Drye, Dakota, July 18, 2009.1976 Ronald S. Anders, Ottawa, Feb. 13, 2008.1976 Phyllis K. Kirk, Evanston, July 30, 2004.1976 James W. Shive, Jr., Bloomington, June 3, 2009.1979 Jeffrey L. Hayes, Queen Creek, AZ, July 26, 2009.1981 Edith A. Briggs Ellwood, Rushville, July 19, 2009.1985 Lawrence H. Cosselman MS-ED, Davenport, IA, Oct. 7, 2007.

1991 William F. Kane, Elwood, Aug. 15, 2006.1992 Shawn W. Harvey, Aurora, Dec. 19, 2008.1993 Roberta J. Flesner Belden, Bowen, June 15, 2009.1993 John P. Ruff, Somonauk, June 8, 2009.2002 Jason M. Gray, Knoxville, May 14, 2009.2002 Jaimie R. Quigley Hunter, Cedar Rapids, IA, Feb. 6, 2008.

2004 Alejandro Valadez, Berwyn, June 1, 2009.2008 Charles S. Stamper, Palmyra, MO, July 10, 2009.

1941 Catherine L. Winn Cornelius, Downey, CA, Mar. 20, 2005.

1942 Lucretia H. Maul Snowden, Riverton, WY, Dec. 19, 2006.

1943 Arla E. Stomberg Cochran, Knoxville, Jan. 20, 2008.1943 Marjorie E. Spencer Sherwin, Winchester, Nov. 4, 2006.

1944 Charlotte M. Bruner, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Oct. 17, 2005.

1944 Anne K. Hieronymus Lodge, Geneseo, Oct. 29, 2007.1949 Lucille I. Sedam Nebiker, New Boston, May 10, 2009.1952 Virgil D. Hocraffer MS-ED Õ53, Freeport, May 5, 2009.

1955 C. Arnold Ross, Amarillo, TX, May 12, 2009.1956 Louise J. Jefferson Hodges, Macomb, Nov. 24, 2008.1956 William H. Seemann MS-ED Õ56, Antioch, July 3, 2009.

1959 Bessie B. Brandon Gillett MS-ED Õ65, Colorado Springs, CO, Apr. 21, 2004.

32 Western news

Registration Form for WIU Alumni & Friends EventsName ___________________________________________________________________ Class year _______________

Address _________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________

Home phone _________________________________ Home e-mail _________________________________________

Cell phone _____________________________ Do you want to receive text messages from the university? o No o Yes

Name of business _________________________________________ Job title __________________________________

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Name of event: Number attending/Name(s): Price:___________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Total: ________________________________________

n Online wiu .com/alumnin Phone (309) 298-1914n Check Payable to WIU Alumni Association n Credit card Please provide credit card information

Credit card information:Card #: ____________________________________Exp. date: _________________________________Name on card: ______________________________Signature: _________________________________

Fax form to: (309) 298-2914 or mail form to: WIU Alumni Association, 1 University Circle,

Macomb, IL 61455-1390

Payment options:

Call the Office of Student Activities at (309) 298-3232 for details on Homecoming Week events.

Friday, October 16, 20095 -10 p.m. . . . . . . All-Alumni Social, Alumni House (Complimentary food and beverages)

Saturday, October 17, 20097-7:45 a.m. . . . . . Old StompinÕ Ground Runaround Registration, Alumni House8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Old StompinÕ Ground Runaround 5K Run/2 mile walk9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Continental Breakfast, Alumni House10:30 a.m. . . . . . .Homecoming Parade; visit wiu.edu/alumni to see the revised parade routeNoon-3 p.m. . . . Alumni Cookout - Menu: burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, cupcakes,

drinks and cash bar - ÒThe Right PlaceÓ (tent directly west of Hanson Field)3:05 p.m. . . . . . . .Leatherneck Football vs. Missouri StateÑH anson Field

To register: call the Homecoming Hotline at (309) 298-1914, or visit

wiu.edu/alumni.

Homecoming 2009October 16-17

ÒAll Around the WorldÓ

September 24Quad Cities Alumni & Friends Social & Collage ConcertSocial at Highland Park Bowl5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Pizza buffet and cash bar - $10 per personSouth Hall4204 Avenue of the CitiesMoline, IL 61265

QC Collage Concert at Moline High SchoolUniversity Singers, Jazz Studio Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra7:30 p.m.Tickets available at the door - Public $5, Seniors $3, Students FREE3600 Avenue of the CitiesMoline, IL 61265

Upcoming WIU Alumni & Friends EventsSeptember 25San Diego Alumni & Friends SocialBertrand at Mister AÕs6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Delectable appetizers and cash bar - $20 per person2550 Fifth Ave.San Diego, CA 92103

September 26San Francisco Alumni & Friends EventSocial at OÕNeillÕs Irish PubHosted by 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Michael P. Kelly Ô70 and WIU President Al Goldfarb3:30 - 5:45 p.m.Appetizers and cash bar - $5 per person747 3rd St. at KingSan Francisco, CA 94107

Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants ballgame 6:05 p.m.Social & Game - $50 per personAT&T Park24 Willie Mays Plaza San Francisco, CA 94107

October 22Raleigh Alumni & Friends SocialPorterÕs City Tavern6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Delectable appetizers and cash bar - $20 per person2412 Hillsborough St.Raleigh, NC 27607

October 23Charlotte Alumni & Friends SocialThe Tavern on Park6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Scrumptious appetizers and cash bar - $20 per personPark Towne Village1600 Woodlawn RoadCharlotte, NC 28209

October 24Atlanta Alumni & Friends EventPittyPatÕs Porch6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Appetizers & cash bar - $15 per person25 Andrew YoungInternational BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30303

See our calendar on Page 2 for a complete list of

events in your area!